A driver was so engrossed in her mobile telephone conversation that she remained stationary through a green light then drove off as it turned to red.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court police saw 65-year-old Rosalinda Plaster using the telephone while stopped at the Woodbourne Road and Windsor Road traffic lights on December 19.

Mr Robinson said a driver behind sounded his horn and Plaster, of Brewery Wharf, Castletown, set off but by this time the light had changed back to red.

’She was still using the phone as she drove off into Woodbourne Road and she later denied all allegations, even when told she was seen by three police,’ he told the court.

Plaster admitted the offence by post, saying in a statement: ’I was unaware and have no recollection of this, but I am aware it is a serious matter.’

She said she had obtained telephone records from Manx Telecom showing she had a call from her brother at the relevant time.

She apologised and said she probably answered it instinctively while the car was stationary, concerned it could be about her 88-year-old mother, who was in failing health. She said she had had a clean licence for 40 years. She was fined £150 with three points for the red light offence, £300 with four points for the telephone offence plus £50 costs.