BLACK HAWK DOWN - SIZEMORE HANDED A LITTLE LENIENCY

BLACK HAWK DOWN star TOM SIZEMORE has been given a big break in his ongoing legal troubles - a California judge has granted him permission to leave the state to work on new TV and film projects.

Los Angeles Supreme Court JUDGE ANTONIO BARRETO gave the actor the OK to film in Canada and Nevada, even though Sizemore still has to serve a 90-day prison term, handed down to him after he was sentenced last year (03) on seven misdemeanour counts of domestic violence.

Barreto complimented Sizemore on his dedication to complete a substance abuse programme before granting him leniency in court on Tuesday (30MAR04).

The ruling allows Sizemore to sign up for a new TV series, called DR VEGAS, opposite ROB LOWE.

Meanwhile, joining Sizemore in court on Tuesday was AL PACINO's dad SAL PACINO, who was there to support his pal.

Pacino says, "I've known him in the past and he's always been good to me, so I thought I'd return the favour."