FORMER top cop Terry Grange refused to investigate race and hate crime, it has been claimed in court.

Carmarthen magistrates heard yesterday how Lady Lesley Cooper shut herself, her daughter Kyra and 11-day-old granddaughter in Mr Grange's Meinciau home on April 26.

Lady Cooper, from Bancffosfelen, said she was driven to it, claiming Mr Grange ignored her complaints about a sitting tenant on her land who was allegedly racially abusive.

"I was driven to this action because of Terry Grange's refusal to investigate a racist thug who made my life hell," she said.

"Perhaps if he had spent more time in his force area rather than entertaining women on a force credit card we might have been listened to," added Lady Cooper.

During proceedings the previous day, she also accused Mr Grange of "relations" with Samantha Gaynor and Lorraine Thomas and of being a Freemason, which he denied.

At the end of a two-day trial, Lady Cooper was cleared of trespass and criminal damage while 26-year-old Kyra, from High Street, Tumble, was cleared of trespass, criminal damage and assault. Magistrates heard how Lady Cooper, Miss Cooper and her 11-day-old baby viewed the property as potential buyers under the name Lyn Stratton — Lady Cooper's sister's name.

They were accompanied by friend Meirion Bowen.

They viewed the property with chartered surveyor Martin Richards, of Evans Bros.

While Mr Richards and Meirion Bowen were outside, Lady Cooper shut the door. Mr Richards suffered a wrist injury in a struggle to re-enter the property, but magistrates said they could not prove beyond reasonable doubt who was to blame.

The defendants said they were not trespassing as they had been invited in by Mr Richards. Kyra Cooper also denied she knew what was planned that day.

"I had no idea that my mother was going to take over the house — I would have left my baby with her father if I'd known," she said. Police smashed through rear glass patio doors to gain access.

Lady Cooper said: "They had keys to unlock the back door but they panicked as I was giving a radio interview."

The Coopers spoke of their relief when they left the court.

"I am so relieved I am tearful," she said. "We have done nothing wrong and perhaps now we will be listened to.

"We will be complaining to Dyfed-Powys Police," she added.