A 48-year-old Blackburn man was spared an immediate prison sentence because of the effect it would have on his infirm wife.

Stipendiary magistrate Jonathon Finestein told Mario Lafrancischina that a non-custodial sentence was an act of mercy for his wife.

Lafrancischina, of Saunders Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to driving with excess alcohol. The case was adjourned for pre -sentence reports and when they were produced Mr Finestein had asked for a medical report on Mrs Lafrancischina to confirm her dependence on her husband.

Sentencing Lafrancischina to four months in prison, suspended for two years, Mr Finestein said it was not his first drink-driving offence and a prison sentence was appropriate.

"The only reason you are not going immediately to prison is that your wife is totally dependant on you following a stroke," said Mr Finestein.

"The doctor says that should you be sent to prison she may well give up her fight for life."

Lafrancischina, who gave a reading of 60 against the limit of 35, was also banned from driving for four years and ordered to pay £50 costs. He agreed to be referred to the drink-drive rehabilitation course.

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