ELVIS is not welcome in North Yorkshire - that's the message from the devastated family of the woman whose life he ruined.

Joanne Brockless said the return of Elvis Aaron Presley was like a "slap in the face".

Earlier this month, Mr Presley - his real name - successfully overturned an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO) banning him from entering Ryedale.

The ASBO was originally imposed to protect former girlfriend, Debbie Austen, after he admitted beating her up. Mr Presley was also convicted of threatening another man in Malton.

But Ms Austen, 32, died on July 6, 2005, after a two-year battle with breast cancer. Mr Presley, formerly of Malton, argued the ASBO therefore no longer applied.

Magistrates changed the conditions of the order to allow him back into Ryedale, provided he stays out of trouble.

But Ms Austen's sister, Miss Brockless, said: "He was a violent menace, and he hurt her. It was Debbie's dying wish that he did not go the funeral or visit her before she died.

"The ASBO kept him away from her, but now it turns out it's not worth the paper it's written on. Just because she is dead, his punishment has been taken away.

"Since everything happened, I have finished college, got a new job and have moved on as much as I can. The whole family is better off without him.

"Now it's like a slap in the face. What happens when we go to visit my sister's grave and we see him there?"

Miss Brockless moved away from Malton following Mr Presley's conviction, but family members - who do not wish to be named - remain in the area.

In 2004, Mr Presley was jailed for five months for assaulting Ms Austen. Prosecuting at the time, Rosie McIlroy said the pair had committed violent offences against each other. She said the conduct was at such a level "that one of them will sustain a serious injury or die".

He was also given an ASBO, which came into effect when he was released from prison, banning him from entering Ryedale for five years. That condition no longer applies.

Mr Presley, 42, who is currently living in Blackpool, told The Press he had given up drinking and had fond memories of his time in Malton. He said he intended to move back into the town as soon as accommodation became available.

But after the ASBO hearing, Sergeant Cliff Edens of Malton Police said: "I have no fears that we are going to be able to deal with Mr Presley if he does cause trouble."

Updated: 09:20 Monday, April 24, 2006