A MAN who vowed to take revenge on his former girlfriend in hate letters sent from prison scarred her for life on the day he was released.

In a series of letters Michael Forster, 31, warned Julie Anne Brown, 35, he would never forgive her for starting a relationship with another man - three years after she dumped him.

A final letter, sent only a fortnight before his release from Armley Prison, in Leeds, said: "I'm out in 15 days' time, I will nip round and see you - I knew my day would come, and it is coming."

Despite being bombarded with threatening letters, Ms Brown, of Deckham, Gateshead, did not have police protection. She said that officers told her they could do nothing until "something happened".

Judge John Milford said he found the attitude of the force "surprising".

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Forster fulfilled his sinister promise on the day of his release on June 3, when he slashed Ms Brown's face as she walked with her seven-year-old daughter through a park.

Forster then turned the blade on Ms Brown's 57-year-old mother when she tried to help. Ms Brown needed plastic surgery but will be scarred for life.

Her mother received a deep wound in her left arm and suffered a burst blood clot in her lung brought on by the ordeal.

Forster yesterday admitted causing grievous bodily harm to Ms Brown and wounding with intent in relation to her mother.

Judge Milford jailed Forster indefinitely for the protection of Ms Brown, her family and friends.