A MOTORIST caught driving without insurance and while using a mobile phone has been banned and fined hundreds of pounds in court.

Thomas Griffiths was caught using his phone behind the wheel of a Transit van on the B6288 at Tudhoe in County Durham on August 12, 2020.

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It was also found that the 61-year-old wasn't insured for the vehicle and he was charged with using a handheld phone while driving and driving without insurance.

Griffiths, of Durham Street, Middlestone Moor, Spennymoor, was convicted of both offences in February last year.

The case was then adjourned to enable magistrates to consider if there were mitigating circumstances for not ordering a driving disqualification.

Griffiths was sentenced by magistrates at Gateshead on Monday (February 14) who decided to impose a six-month driving ban, saying disqualification was obligatory due to repeat offending.

They also endorsed his licence with six penalty points.

In addition, Griffiths was fined £500 and extra court costs and charges brought the total he has to pay up to £660.

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