FORMER Dyfed-Powys Police chief Terence Grange remained impassive as details of his alleged "relations" with two women were discussed in court yesterday.

While giving evidence in a trial relating to alleged trespassers in his Meinciau home, defendant Lady Lesley Cooper claimed Mr Grange had relationships with Lorraine Thomas and Samantha Gaynor.

She also suggested he was a freemason — a claim denied by Mr Grange.

Lady Lesley Cooper, aged 48, from Bancffosfelen, made both accusations during the first day of her trial at Carmarthen Magistrates Court yesterday.

She represented herself and pleaded not guilty to criminal damage and trespass.

Her daughter Kyra Cooper, aged 26, of High Street, Tumble, also denied assault, trespass and criminal damage.

They were arrested on April 26 after shutting themselves in Mr Grange's bungalow as a protest about Dyfed-Powys Police's conduct.

She explained to Mr Grange the protest was not political but a complaint, claiming she was ignored by the force.

She said: "When you walked away from the force in November after relations with Lorraine Thomas and Samantha Gaynor, you left people like me who needed help.

"You never replied to my complaints," she added.

Mr Grange explained he could not reply to every letter he was sent.

Lady Cooper also asked if he was a freemason.

"I am not, and never have been, a freemason," he said.

Lady Cooper said she did not believe him, adding: "That's not what a private detective told me. You have been since 1981."

Magistrates heard how Lady Cooper, Miss Cooper and her 11-day old baby viewed the property as potential buyers under the name Lyn Stratton.

They were accompanied by friend Meirion Bowen.

They viewed the property with chartered surveyor Martin Richards, of Evans Bros, and stayed for around 20 minutes.

Mr Richards and Meirion Bowen left the house to look at drains and while they did Lady and Kyra Cooper shut the door.

Magistrates heard how Mr Richards suffered a wrist injury in a struggle to get back in the property.

"I pushed the door and managed to get it open a couple of inches and get my hand through and then I felt a surge of pressure," he said.

"I then pushed to get my hand out before phoning the office to ask them to contact police," he added.

Police spoke to Lady Cooper before smashing the rear patio doors to gain entry, magistrates heard.

In defence, Carina Hughes asked Chief Inspector Griffiths why he did not use the backdoor key he had in his possession to open the rear door, rather than breaking glass doors.

He said he felt it was the safest option as the front door was barricaded with furniture and he thought the back door could be too. The case continues.