Julie Harris, 41, of River Leys, Cheltenham, had been subjected to months of harassment by Andrew Millard.

When Mrs Harris rang 999 to have him arrested, she was told the police had "other commitments".

Mr Millard, 42, of Tewkesbury, admits manslaughter, but denies murder on 20 October 2004. The case continues.

Julie Harris had ended her tempestuous relationship with Andrew Millard after 14 months.

Arrest demand

He agreed to sign an harassment order on 5 October 2004 after the mother-of-one complained to Gloucestershire police about his obsessional behaviour.

Two weeks later she again phoned 999 demanding that Mr Millard was arrested, the jury heard.

Sarah Munro, prosecuting, said that Mrs Harris had been told that the police had "other commitments" but would arrest him at a later stage.

Five hours later she was stabbed to death at her home. One of her wounds was 7.5cm deep.

Shouting heard

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has launched an investigation into Gloucestershire Constabulary's handling of the case.

The court heard a chilling 999 call of the victim's last moments as she screamed over and over again.

The defendant could be heard on five occasions shouting that he was "going to kill her." Her 19-year-old daughter and boyfriend, who were both in the house, ran out and phoned the police.

He was arrested shortly afterwards near a farm. .