JOCKEY Grant Macdonald, who was banned from driving for three years after his second drink-driving conviction within ten years, has had his licence returned by Kennet magistrates.

The court heard on Tuesday that Macdonald, 30, who lives and works at the Herridge Farm Stables at Collingbourne Ducis, lost his licence on April 30 2001 after he admitted driving with more than twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system.

Rhys Davies, prosecuting, told the court that his erratic driving had caught the attention of a police patrol, who then followed him back to the stables and breathalysed him. His previous drink-driving conviction was in 1994.

Mr Davies explained that Macdonald had the right to apply to have his licence returned after two years of the ban had been completed.

Macdonald told the court that he had two young daughters by his ex-partner, who would not allow him in the house. He was unable to take them out anywhere and as a result saw less of them than he would if he could transport them to a zoo or a park.

Also, he was planning to take a flat in Ludgershall, four miles from Collingbourne, and it would be very difficult for him if he had to cycle back and forth twice a day.

His parents live in Dover and his mother is ill with a heart condition.

He told the court he had not had a drink in two years and now felt that drinking and driving was wrong.

The bench agreed Macdonald could have his licence reinstated early, but warned that he still had to apply to the DVLA before he could take to the road.