A THIRD time drink-driver was saved from a jail by his boss who told magistrates he was an invaluable worker.

Matthew John Grimshaw, 28, who smashed into a parked car and drove off was told he would normally have been sent to prison

Magistrates the defendant, who has also been disqualified twice in the last three years, to consider himself very very lucky to have an employer like he had, which was "unusual," in this day and age.

Grimshaw, of Cherry Crescent, Rawtenstall, was sentenced to a combination order of 12 months probation and 80 hours community service, after admitting driving while disqualified, driving with excess alcohol, without insurance, failing to stop after an accident and driving without due care and attention, on August 5.

He was also banned from driving for three years and ordered to pay £50 costs.

Nigel Harrison, prosecuting, said Grimshaw, who had been disqualified for excess alcohol in August 1998, drank at least two cans of strong lager when he set off along Rakeshead Lane, Stacksteads, to a scrap yard.

He hit the front end of a parked car, drove off and abandoned the vehicle. He was caught by police not far away.

Bill Rawstron, defending, said Grimshaw was of limited capabilities and had his problems. He either did not or could not think about the consequences of his actions. Custody would have a devastating effect on him and even though he had an abysmal record for disqualified driving and drink driving, he was worthy of another chance. All his offences were drink related and that was something he had to address, for his long term health, if nothing else.

He told the court: "There are those who would say that custody is inevitable and there are those who would say he deserves a chance. I plead on his behalf for a non custodial sentence."

Lee Greenhalgh, a director of Rossendale company J and J Ormerod, described the defendant as an excellent employee, who was always on time and never off sick. He was hard working, "never stopped," and was enthusiastic, and knew all about his work.

Since the offences, he had been really quiet, knew he was in serious trouble this time and the consequences of his actions had dawned on him.

Mr Greenhalgh went on: "If the worst came to the worst, I would have no hesitation in employing him again."