MOBILE phone use while driving has quickly become a very serious offence, however, many people still do it.

The offence can usually land drivers with a hefty fine and points on their licence, and many are still being caught out.

It even applies while you’re stopped at traffic lights, queuing for traffic and even when you’re supervising a learner driver.

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It has been illegal to use a mobile phone while driving since 2003, however, some people are still being caught behind the wheel for the offence and putting other drivers at risk as a result.

These are the North East people charged in court for driving while using a mobile phone:

  • Anthony Thomas, 37 of Garden Place in Darlington

Thomas’s case was heard before West Yorkshire Magistrates Court on Tuesday May 31.

He was charged with using a mobile phone in November last year while driving down Yarm Road.

Thomas was fined £40 for the offence and was made to pay £34 to victim services and £90 to crown prosecution service.

He was found guilty via a single justice procedure and his driving record was endorsed with six points.

  • Shaun Wilson, 33, of Teviot Street, Easington Lane, County Durham

Wilson’s case was heard before County Durham and Darlington Magistrates Court on Tuesday May 3.

He was charged with using a mobile phone while driving in September last year as he travelled down Durham Road.

He was fined £660 as a result of the offence and was made to pay £66 to victim services and £90 in court costs.

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He was found guilty via a single justice procedure and endorsed with six penalty points.

  • Sean Aaron Stubbs, 26 of Highfield Villas, Sherburn in Elmet, North Yorkshire

Stubbs’s case was heard before North Yorkshire Magistrates Court on Wednesday June 8.

He was charged with using a mobile phone in August last year while driving on the A64.

Stubbs was not given a disqualification due to mitigating circumstances.

However, he was fined £146 and made to pay £44 to Victim Services.

He was found guilty through a single justice procedure and was also given six points on his driving licence.

  • Phillip Stanley Kelly, 58 of Yarm Road in Darlington

Kelly’s case was heard before County Durham and Darlington Magistrates Court on Wednesday June 8.

He was charged after using a mobile phone while driving down Yarm Road in November of last year.

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Kelly was fined £40 for the offence and was also made to pay £34 to victim services and £90 in court costs.

He was found guilty through a single justice procedure and was also endorsed with six points on his licence.

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