Jealous builder destroys star cricketer's home

A builder went on a destructive rampage, smashing up the home of a star cricketer he believed was having an affair with his wife.

John Matthews, 50, of Crowlas, Penzance, caused about £9,000 damage to the Taunton home of Somerset cricketer Neil Edwards who was playing South Africa at the time.

Believing Edwards was seeing his wife; Matthews sawed a bed in half, cut up curtains, poured expanding foam down toilets and a bath and poured creosote over furniture.

Before leaving he pinned a note to the opening batsman’s door saying the attack was “phase one” and he would meet up with him for “phase two”.

Matthews yesterday admitted in the Taunton Magistrate’s Court to causing more than £5,000 damage to the home.

Local newspaper the Somerset County Gazette said the court heard that the damage was caused “on the spur of the moment” on July 1 and Matthews had aimed to undo work he had done on the house.

The case has been adjourned until August 19 and Matthews released on conditional bail.