Sentence slashed for driver caught on the phone

4:39pm Thursday 7th August 2008

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A MINIBUS driver caught using a mobile phone at the Merry Hill Centre has had his sentence slashed.

James Jackson, aged 64, appealed against a £650 from Dudley Magistrates, who also ruled he should have six points put on his driving licence for the offence.

At Wolverhampton Crown Court today (Thursday August 7), Recorder Martin Butterworth ruled the fine should be reduced to £150 and he should only have three points on his licence.

Barrister Samantha Crabb told the court two police officers in a patrol car saw the minibus being driven slowly and Jackson was engaged in conversation with his mobile to his right ear.

He was stopped by the officers for the offence and he told them: “I've done it - just give me the ticket.”

Miss Crabb stressed there was no suggestion Jackson posed a danger to other road users or to passengers and he was convicted of the offence in his absence.

Jackson of The Vista, Dudley, told the Recorder he was only yards away from shops on what was a private road and added: “I would not have used my mobile if it had been an ordinary road.

“I saw the police car and I continued making my call - I realise that was a mistake. But I believe the fine was severe even though I know I was in the wrong.”