TWO drink-driving convictions may have saved Ian Haimes's livelihood, marriage and life, a solicitor claimed on Tuesday.

Haimes, aged 42, suffered from a drink problem which was affecting his health and his bike repair business, Richard Wright told Warrington magistrates.

Shopkeeper Haimes, of Springfield Avenue, Lymm, admitted two offences of driving with excess alcohol. He was placed on probation for 18 months and banned from driving for three years with £40 costs.

Richard Sealy, prosecuting, said the defendant was caught twice by police in Lymm village. Mr. Wright said his client had a drink problem and had been to Alcoholics Anonymous after being arrested for the first offence.

He added: "It is quite clear he was on a collision course with disaster if he did not do something about his drinking.

"Quite bizarrely, this appearance before the court could have saved his business, his marriage and his life. He could have been killed while under the influence or been in danger of suffering serious health problems."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.