Diane Cilento said a psychiatrist gave him the mind-bending drug because he felt insecure and stressed after becoming a worldwide star. Connery was allegedly prescribed LSD after appearing in the third 007 film Goldfinger in 1964. At the time it had not been declared illegal. Cilento claims in her new book My Nine Lives: "Goldfinger was the most successful Bond film yet.

　　"But the more successful Bond became, the more insecure Sean felt.

　　"He was convinced he would never feel safe until he had ?1million in the bank."

　　Cilento said the LSD made Connery, who was then 25, so ill he spent days in bed recovering.

　　It also dredged up memories of his tough childhood in Edinburgh. She said: "Suddenly, Sean began to remember challenging childhood scenes.

　　"I recall him telling me how he used to hide sweets, comics and chocolates, which he'd nicked when he pushed his baby brother's pram around the shops with his mother."

　　My Nine Lives also deals with an allegation Connery assaulted Cilento during their marriage, which ended in 1973 - a claim he has always strenuously denied.

　　Cilento, 72, recounts an incident, although she does not name Connery as the attacker.

　　She writes: "I was a bit drunk. I felt a blow to my face and was knocked to the floor. I remember screaming and I think we were shouting. I got to my feet and tried to fight back but another blow sent me flying."

　　Connery, 75, was unavailable for comment.