A DRIVER caught using a hand-held mobile phone has avoided a ban because his family relies on his wages.
Paul Linney, of Burford Crescent, Wilmslow, was sentenced at Tameside Magistrates’ Court on April 2 for using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving.
The 50-year-old was caught driving a Mercedes on September 14, 2023, whilst using a his phone on The Causeway, at Heybridge in Essex.
The defendant had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.
Magistrates decided not to impose a lengthy ban after listening to mitigating circumstances.
The court was told: “If the defendant received a lengthy disqualification, exceptional hardship would be caused to his employer and his family members as he is the main breadwinner.”
Linney was banned from driving for 14 days, fined £479 and ordered to pay £192 victim surcharge and £90 costs.
His licence was endorsed with six penalty points.
The £761 court penalty must be paid in full by April 30.
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