A BRIDE'S wedding day was ruined when her father threw a pot of ink over her white dress in protest at her marrying her sweetheart.

Her wedding to Mehget Galin Doygun should have been the happiest day of Fiona Braidwood's life.

But her father, Trevor, felt unable to give his blessing to her marriage to a Turkish man 16 years her senior.

He took drastic action, pouring a coffee jar full of ink over his daughter's gown just seconds before she was due to take her vows.

Before shocked guests and a stunned registrar, he told her: "This is for you. It should be blood."

Registrar Randall Mullen told Newcastle Magistrates it was the most unbelievable scene he had seen in 20 years.

The bride was left in tears after the incident on May 30, which ruined her dress.

Braidwood was arrested after officials called police.

Mrs Doygun, 23, from Byker, Newcastle, borrowed a black dress from her sister and the ceremony went ahead later the same day.

Braidwood, of Manor Farm Walk, Middleton, Leeds, who was not in court, pleaded guilty in his absence to causing criminal damage to the register office carpet, but denied criminal damage to his daughter's wedding outfit.

The case was proved in his absence, and a warrant was issued for him to attend court for sentencing. He may also be ordered to pay compensation for the damage.