PAUL Wilkinson's chronic health problems saved him from a prison sentence when he appeared before Blackburn magistrates on a drink driving charge.

The court heard that sentencing had been delayed after Wilkinson was rushed to hospital with severe abdominal pain which was diagnosed as a burst ulcer.

Defence solicitor Roger Pickles said that before undergoing major surgery Wilkinson was told he had a 70 per cent chance of dying. As a result of excessive drinking he 95 per cent sclerosis of the liver and also suffers from angina.

"He has a host of problems which he has caused himself by consumption of alcohol," said Mr Pickles.

Wilkinson, 33, of Wordsworth Avenue, Padiham, pleaded guilty to drink driving. He was made subject to a two year community rehabilitation order and disqualified from driving for three years. Wilkinson, who gave a reading of 96 against the legal limit of 35, agreed to be referred to the drink drive rehabilitation programme which, if completed successfully, would reduce his ban by up to 25 per cent.

Passing sentence, District Judge Jones said he would be more than justified in sending Wilkinson to prison for six months.

"I have given you the maximum credit for your guilty plea and taken into account your current state of health," he added. Mr Pickles said that since being admitted to hospital at the beginning of March Wilkinson had not touched alcohol.

"When I first saw him he was on his last legs and, while he is not much better now, at least he is free of alcohol," he added.