FORMER world champion boxer Robbie Regan was starting an 18-month jail sentence today for his part in a violent attack.

Newport crown court heard 34-year-old former bantamweight Regan committed the offence with Lynne Morgan, 46, and Darren Thomas, 37.

Ieuan Rees, prosecuting, said victims Kevin Hawkins and Christina Higginson were watching television at their Church Street home in Bargoed when they heard loud banging at the door shortly before midnight on April 18.

Mr Rees said: "The door was forced open and all three defendants entered the house. Mr Hawkins was punched and kicked to the body by the two male defendants."

He said Morgan used a baseball bat to try to hit Miss Higginson.

Mr Rees said the baseball bat was picked up for use in the Church Street home rather than being brought by the defendants.

He said Thomas and his sister, Morgan, wanted to confront Mr Hawkins about a family dispute, and their friend, Regan, joined them.

The court heard Regan owned the Church Street property where the victims were living and would call around to check his mail on occasions.

Former Blackwood resident Regan earlier pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, as did Morgan, of Heathfield Walk, and Thomas, of Lewis Street, both Bargoed.

Thomas also admitted making threats to kill Mr Hawkins in a message left on his telephone.

Regan subsequently lived in the Church Street house following a separation from his partner.

Judge David Morris said: "Every member of society needs to know the courts will properly punish those who break into the homes of others and inflict injury on them."

He said there was no excuse in the fact the defendants had a grievance against Mr Hawkins.

Judge Morris said Thomas played the leading role in the attack and sentenced him to 21 months in custody for the assault with three months, to run concurrently, for the threat to kill offence. Regan and Morgan both received 18 months each.

Mr Hawkins received cuts and bruises and Miss Higginson suffered bruising and scratches to her face in the incident.

Meirion Davies, representing all the defendants, said the offence was sparked by alcohol and a "family feud" with Mr Hawkins.

He said: "All three defendants bitterly regret acting in a way that was wildly out of character."