A MAGISTRATE broke down in tears last night as she told how her 35-year-old marriage collapsed after her husband became infatuated with a drug addict call girl.

Middlesbrough JP Mavis Lacey, 56, said she divorced church-goer Brian Lacey in May last year after discovering he had been having a fling with the prostitute since August 1999.

She said her husband, now out of work through ill health - which includes a heart condition - fell for the prostitute after he began trawling the streets of Middlesbrough's red light district.

Yesterday, a judge at Teesside Crown Court heard how Lacey, 56, bought drugs for the 26-year-old prostitute after becoming "hooked" on her. Barrister Michael Bosomworth, defending, said: "She was a drug addict and he bought drugs for her.

"He was so infatuated that he did what she asked." Mr Bosomworth added that Lacey was eventually left in the lurch by the vice girl who stole £158 from his wallet and vanished.

Lacey, of Pym Street, South Bank, Middlesbrough, admitted possessing small amounts of crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply the prostitute.

Judge Anthony Briggs told him:" Those who supply Class A drugs, even if not for profit, usually get locked up. These are exceptional circumstances."

Lacey was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Speaking afterwards, Mrs Lacey, who has two grown-up daughters, said: "I found out about the affair around August 1999, and things started to go downhill from there. He fell for her. She has spent all his money and now I believe she is in prison - which is the best place for her.

"I am a Christian and I am well-known locally and my husband was also a Christian and a church-goer before all this happened.

"It's very sad and deeply upsetting for me, but I'm just trying to get on with my life and my faith has played a big part in helping me through."

Mrs Lacey added: "Brian phoned me after the court case to say what had happened.

"He still keeps in touch, but I am very, very angry about all this and I don't want to see him again.