A REPEAT drink-driver was told he had come perilously close to going to prison.

Blackburn magistrates heard Mark Saunders was stopped after police saw him driving erratically on the M65.

He gave a reading of 83 against the legal limit of 35 leading to his fifth drink-related driving conviction.

And the court was told that subsequent to the offence Saunders had been told he had a serious eye problem.

Saunders, 48, of Bridge Street, Clayton-le-Moors, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol. He was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison suspended for two years with 30 days' rehabilitation activity requirement and an eight-week curfew between 7pm and 7am. He was banned from driving for 60 months and ordered to pay £128 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Samantha Hayward, prosecuting, said officers stopped the car driven by Saunders after seeing it swerving across all three lanes of the motorway. He was unsteady on his feet and when breathalysed gave a reading of 83 against the legal limit of 35.

Ben Leach, defending, said the incident had led to Saunders visiting the optician which had revealed a serious problem with his eyesight.

"He hasn't driven for five years but on the night of this incident made the foolish decision to drive his friend's car home," said Mr Leech.

"He realised he couldn't see the white lines properly. He has since been advised he is likely to lose his sight in the next 10 years."

Mr Leech said Saunders was in the process of opening two healthy eating cafes which would be jeopardised by him not being able to drive.

"He can't believe he has placed himself back in court and recognises this will have a significant, detrimental affect on his life," said Mr Leech.