A van driver from Willaston has been fined £650 for using a mobile phone while driving through the Quarterbridge junction.

Geoffrey John Crennell admitted the offence and also had his licence endorsed with four points.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court how police were parked in a lay-by on August 12 at 11.10am near the Quarterbridge.

They saw Crennell, who lives in Keppel Road, Willaston, driving a Ford Transit van and holding his phone at chest height as he drove along Peel Road travelling right up the hill at the Quarterbridge.

The 31-year-old was stopped at Alexander Drive and claimed he was using the phone ’hands free’ but then admitted he had received a call from his employer.

Defence advocate Paul Glover handed in a reference for his client and asked for credit to be given for his guilty plea.

Mr Glover said: ’Mr Crennell requires his licence for his day to day job. If banned he could potentially lose his job.’

Deputy High Bailiff Chris Arrowsmith described the offence as an ’extremely foolish thing to do’ for a man using his vehicle for his employment.

Crennell was also ordered to pay £50 prosecution costs.