A BOLTON couple hurt when a drink driver smashed into their car on the wrong side of the road have hit out at the lenient sentence he was given by the courts.

Neil and Brenda Barker, of Green Way, Hall I 'Th' Wood, say they have been traumatised since the late-night crash last month.

The couple have branded the 150-hour community service order handed to 22-year-old driver Anthony Snape as "scandalous".

Mr Baker, 46, said: "I'm gobsmacked at the sentence. We feel we're lucky to be alive to see it. I thought I was going to die. I relive it every day."

Bolton magistrates heard the level of alcohol in Snape's blood was so high it almost triggered an automatic jail sentence.

Snape, of West Walk, Egerton, pleaded guilty to drink driving, driving without due care and attention, driving without a licence and driving without insurance. The court heard that Snape, who works at the Watermillock restaurant and pub, Crompton Way, went onto the wrong side of the road as he tried to turn into nearby Seymour Road and crashed into Mr and Mrs Barker's Austin Montego estate.

The couple were taken to hospital with whiplash injuries and the car was written off. But Mr and Mrs Barker say the mental hurt has been longer lasting. Both were in court yesterday to see Snape sentenced.

Cleaning supervisor Mrs Barker, 52, says she has been on sick leave since the crash and Mr Barker, who has to use a stick, says his health problems have worsened.

"Snape must have been doing about 50 mph when he hit that bend," said Mr Barker. "He mounted the pavement and swerved out of the way of a tree before hitting us near side to near side."

Snape, who represented himself, told the court: "I'm very sorry to everyone who has been involved for my stupid actions."

He was banned from driving for two years and ordered to pay £300 compensation plus £80 costs. The driving ban will be reduced by six months if he successfully completes a course for drink drive offenders.

Employers the Watermillock gave Snape a character reference. He was described as being a normal social drinker.

The court heard that Snape was driving a Vauxhall Nova belonging to friend.