Paris Hilton's boyfriend attacked outside court

A "psycho" attacked Paris Hilton's boyfriend, Cy Waits, outside court yesterday (27.04.11).

The socialite was on her way to testify against Nathan Parada – who is alleged to have tried to break into her property wielding a knife in August 2010 – when a man jumped at Cy, punched at the back of his head and tried to grab his neck.

The man – later identified as James Rainford, who has also, separately, been arrested for trespassing on Paris' property in October 2010 - was wrestled to the ground by the couple's security team outside the courthouse in Van Nuys, California.

Paris, 30, tweeted her shock at the incident, writing: "On my way to the court house to testify against the intruder. I'm very nervous to see him face to face again. :(

“Omg @KathyHilton! That other psycho intruder just punched Cy in the back of the head as we were walking into the court house. So scary! :( (sic)"

A representative for Paris later told E! News: "After the attack, they realised he is the same intruder that showed up to her home on a bicycle a few months ago. They are both a bit shaken up but thankful security acted quickly."

James was taken into police custody, and later claimed he had only been trying to get an autograph from Paris and to ask her father, Rick, for permission to ask her to marry him.

James is currently still on probation for misdemeanour assault and there is also a restraining order in place against him requiring that he stay at least 200 yards away from the blonde hotel heiress.

After her court appearance, Paris later tweeted about Nathan, writing: "So creepy seeing that guy in court today, it sent shivers down my spine. Now on my way to @URM to make Mother's Day cards with the kids. (sic)"

If found guilty Nathan Parada faces a maximum of three years in prison for felony charge attempted first-degree burglary.