A motorist who was stopped by police for using a mobile telephone while driving was answering a call from the police, a court was told.

Michal Garezynski, of Spectrum Flats in Douglas, was spotted on Albert Street in Douglas by police on September 27.

Rachael Braidwood, for the prosecution, said a police patrol was at Mount Havelock at the time, approaching the junction with Albert Street, when they saw the 39-year-old driving past.

’He was clearly holding a mobile telephone to his ear and he continued to use the telephone as he was driving. He said he was speaking to the police at the time,’ she said.

Garezynski’s advocate, Ian Kermode, said an item had been stolen from inside his client’s Renault Scenic the day before.

’He had reported it and the call he was engaged on was from the police, ironically.

’He does wish to apologise and says he has learned his lesson,’ he said.

Magistrates’ chairman, Julian Ashcroft, fined him £250 and his licence was endorsed with four penalty points. He must pay £50 costs.