A MAN who described vodka as his "devil" accepted that he needed to give up drink to save his marriage.

Blackburn magistrates heard Lee Roscoe had rowed with his wife and smashed her phone after drinking eight cans of lager and half a litre of vodka.

Roscoe, 47, of George Street, Rishton, pleaded guilty to criminal damage. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 40 hours unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and £90 victim surcharge.

The court was told Roscoe said he and his wife had a close and loving relationship except when he drank.

Gareth Price, defending, said if his client wasn't drinking he was unlikely to offend.

"If he doesn't offend he won't come back here," said Mr Price.