A Cookstown car dealer has been fined £250 and given six penalty points for using a mobile phone while driving.

Ryan Thomas McCracken, 30, of Castle Villas, Cookstown, pleaded guilty to the offence at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

The court heard that on April 15, police on Northway, Portadown saw a man driving a Volkswagen Caddy in the opposite direction lift a mobile phone and hold it to his ear.

Officers turned and followed the vehicle. As they approached, they again observed the driver holding a phone in his right hand, away from his ear and in front of his face. His lips were moving as if he was communicating.

A prosecutor said McCracken was unaware of the police presence even though the police lights were activated. When he noticed the police, he stopped and initially denied using the device.

Representing himself, McCracken told the court the incident was out of character and that he had been taking an emergency family call.

He said he is self-employed and runs a car dealership in Cookstown. When District Judge Michael Ranaghan asked if he understood the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving, McCracken said he was very aware and that his income depends on his licence.

The judge noted McCracken had a clear licence and had not been before the court for a long time. He imposed six penalty points, a £250 fine, and a £15 offender levy.