Two men and a woman who burst into a flat in Cardigan and beat up the occupier have been jailed.

They frightened Andrew Lane so much he jumped down a flight of stairs, breaking his ankle.

Charity Penny, 42, of Heol Felin, Penparc, David Griffiths, 38, of Anwylfan, Aberporth, and Ianto Grant, 23, of Pistel Gwyn, Llandeilo, had admitted assault causing grievous bodily harm. They were each jailed for two years.

John Hipkin, prosecuting at Swansea Crown Court, said on 5 February Mr Lane had been on the top floor of his flat in Pendre, Cardigan, when the trio burst in.

Mr Lane tried to escape and ran down the stairs, leaping the final flight. He ended up on the floor with a broken ankle and Penny, Griffiths and Grant began raining blows on him.

Penny “boiled” a kettle and poured the contents over Mr Lane, telling him it was a shame she could not find any sugar. Unknown to her the electricity had ‘tripped’ during the commotion and the water was still cool.

Mr Lane finally escaped having also suffered fractures to facial bones and bruising.

Judge Paul Thomas said the three knew Mr Lane was vulnerable, but they carried out a vicious and prolonged attack.

Judge Thomas, who issued a five-year restraining order, said he was satisfied that none of them had told the truth about why they had gone after Mr Lane.