A PARISH priest whose life was threatened by a crazed knifeman is planning to write to him in prison offering forgiveness.

Father Derek Turnham, of Sacred Heart Church, in Middlesbrough, said he wanted to offer support to drug addict David Morgan as he served an indefinite prison term.

The Northern Echo reported on Saturday how the 28-year-old crack addict was jailed for tricking his way into the presbytery, in Park Road South, on May 2, asking to use the toilet.

However, despite Fr Turnham helping Morgan with his rent on two previous occasions, he brandished a 12in carving knife and threatened to use it unless he was given cash.

The priest offered Morgan all the money and food vouchers he had, but the addict said he needed more money for drugs.

At that moment, a parishioner knocked on the door of the presbytery, causing Morgan to flee.

"You are not in the right frame of mind if you go around threatening people with a knife," said the 55-year-old priest yesterday.

"I thought there was a very good chance he could use the knife if he didn't get what he wanted, because he was not in control of himself."

Fr Turnham asked police if he could write to Morgan earlier, but was told it could impact on the trial, but hopes to get permission now the case is over.

He said: "If I'm advised that it won't be harmful, I will be more than happy to write to him. I think he faces a long prison sentence. He did send a letter of apology to me."

Fr Turnham said it was not unusual to get beggars at the presbytery door asking for help, and, at first, Morgan seemed no different.

He said between three and four beggars would call each day, and he usually offered them a cup of tea and a sandwich.

"I was very, very relieved when the doorbell went," he added.

"I told the lady at the door that she had saved my life, which was how I felt at that moment."

Morgan, of Southfield Road, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to that robbery, and another at Celebrations wedding cake shop, in the town, three weeks earlier.

Fr Turnham will be leaving Sacred Heart Church later this summer to take up a new parish in Stokesley, North Yorkshire.