A neighbour eventually took the 70-year-old victim to Sittingbourne for medical treatment and he was transferred to a London hospital with life-threatening injuries, including two punctured lungs.

Ripley, who was then 61, was jailed for six years in February 2018 after admitting causing grievous bodily harm with intent and theft after taking £400 from his wallet.

At the time, a judge said the 40-year relationship had “turned poisonous and destructive” and warned there should never again be contact between them.

Despite being divorced, the couple, who had nine children, continued to live together.

The court heard they were from the travelling community, in which marriage was for life and divorce was shameful.

Despite the judge issuing an indefinite restraining order in 2018, Ripley’s barrister, Philip Sinclair, warned she was likely to break it once released.

At the time, Mr Sinclair said: “They can’t stay away from one another. They will be apart for a number of years. You can be confident that she is likely to break this bond. She is her own worst enemy.”

However, the judge told Ripley: “That order will be forever. You break that order on your release, and you will end up in prison again.”

But on October 9, Ripley, of Meads Avenue, Sittingbourne, appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court for sentencing after being found guilty of harassment – breaching the restraining order after being found at Mr Sherbourne's home in Faversham.

She also admitted two counts of shoplifting in August, targeting two supermarkets in Sittingbourne.

Ripley took four extension cables from Morrisons valued at £120, and more than £400 of groceries from Sainsbury’s.

Christina Rowberry, prosecuting, told the court it was not the first time Ripley had breached the restraining order.

She added: “There is a long history between them.

“There have been multiple agency referrals for them because of violence, and there is a high risk of domestic violence between them.”

“Ripley said her ex-husband kept going to see her and told her the order was no longer in place and that she could go and see him at the caravan park.

“There were two previous breaches in May and July, and she was given financial penalties”

Samuel Sotunde, defending, said: “Her ex-husband does make contact, but it is her name on the order and she accepts that.

“He finds out her address and he seeks to find her out.

“They have buried three children, and she still lives with [the pain of] this today.

“She is 70 next year, and she just wants to spend her time with her children and grandchildren.”

Magistrates placed Ripley on an 18-month community order, which will see her complete 15 rehabilitation sessions and attend a building better choices program for 26 sessions.

She was also fined £120 and ordered to pay £620 court costs, a victim surcharge of £114.