But the 62-year-old later died in West Wales General Hospital, Carmarthen, when a blood clot formed in a main artery.

I knew that an argument would occur but I did not leave the house with the intention of doing violence

Steven Hampton, defendant

Michael Hampton told Swansea Crown Court he had been angered when Mr Brunt began a brief relationship with his partner, Janet Parton, who he was separated from at the time of the attack.

Hampton was later overheard saying to his brother in a pub that "something had to be done" about the matter.

The jury was told Mr Brunt suffered 12 fractured ribs and looked as if he had been beaten by a boxer.

It was only later that doctors found he had a pre-existing clot in a main artery.

'Heard arguing'

This ruptured, sending poisons into arteries supplying his lower body.

Both defendants have admitted a fight did take place, but denied killing Mr Brunt.

On a visit to St Dogmaels, Steven Hampton, of Wellington, Telford, spent the evening drinking in a pub with his brother.

The court heard he had drunk nine pints of beer before deciding to visit the home of Mr Brunt.

Did one of you hold him while the other kicked and punched him?

Neil Bidder QC, prosecuting

Earlier during the case, prosecutor Neil Bidder said Steven Hampton was heard arguing with Mr Brunt at the village's White Hart pub during a party on the night of the incident.

He said Hampton returned to the pub later that evening and was overheard telling his brother: "Something has got to be sorted, something has got to be done."

Mr Bidder said: "You and your brother gave him a thorough beating and you both intended to cause him serious harm.

"Did one of you hold him while the other kicked and punched him? Did you kick him in the groin to give him a really good lesson?"

Steven Hampton said: "I would say that I went up there with the intention of telling Ray to 'Bloody well leave me and Janet alone' but I did not anticipate violence.

"I knew that an argument would occur but I did not leave the house with the intention of doing violence."