Fine for phone call

Thomas O'Connor (59) from Old Court Manor, admitted the offence which happened on July 3.

Thursday's court was told a police vehicle was stopped at a red light on North Street when they saw a vehicle approach from behind, they observed the defendant talking on the phone.

When he stopped he dropped the phone. When spoken to he denied using the phone and declined a fixed penalty notice.

The district judge said: "Maybe he dropped the phone when he saw the police in front."

The defending solicitor said his client had stalled the car and the vehicle was stopped when his wife phoned with a very brief call.

The solicitor added: "He genuinely believed because the engine was not running he could take the call."

The judge imposed an 80 fine and endorsed three points on the defendant's licence.