James Fitt, 31, of no fixed abode, made his way to his former partner’s home in Trumpington after being released from prison on 14 September.
He took a meat cleaver from the kitchen and a plank of wood and when the victim arrived home he approached her with it outside the house.
Police were called and 31-year-old Fitt attempted to make off through the property and over a garden fence but was found shortly after hiding in a car park.
CCTV footage from neighbouring properties captured the incident and at Peterborough Crown Court he pleaded guilty to threatening a person with a blade in a public place.
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison
Detective Constable Jess Day said: “I hope the sentence handed to Fitt will show those who carry knives that they will go to prison if they are caught. We’re working to tackle knife-related violence across the county.”
If you know someone who carries a knife or a weapon, report it to police. If you don’t want to speak to police, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.