A 23-year-old man from Sallagh Park North in Larne admitted driving with a hand-held mobile phone and improper number plates on June 11 last year.

The case was heard at Ballymena Magistrates Court on March 19. John Baxter faced the charges after police detected him using the phone while driving in Larne.

His defence barrister explained that Baxter received a call about an arson attack at Larne Leisure Centre that day. His wife worked at the centre, leaving him distressed.

Baxter pulled into a car park, but officers spotted him on the phone beforehand. They then checked his vehicle and found issues with the number plates.

The court imposed six penalty points on his licence and a £250 fine.