A 32-year-old man from Union Mills has been fined £500 for driving through a red light and using a mobile phone while driving.

Stephen Barry Watterson, of Snugborough Avenue, was also ordered by magistrates to pay £50 prosecution costs and had his licence endorsed with seven penalty points after admitting three driving-related offences.

Prosecutor Michael Jelski told the court how, on June 16 at 2.45pm, police saw Watterson’s car stop at the pelican crossing in Lord Street but drive away before the light changed to green. Police followed him to the junction of Lord Street and Athol Street where they saw he was using his mobile phone.

He was stopped and told police: ’I was on my mobile phone. I’m guilty of that but I honestly thought the light was on amber.’

Checks revealed the car had no valid vehicle licence.

Defence advocate Paul Rodgers said: ’He fully accepts the prosecution’s account of matters. He made the decision to very quickly answer a call when stopped at the traffic lights. He was only out of tax a very short period of time. No one was on the crossing therefore any danger was minimal.’