MOTORIST Neil Howarth, who was caught driving while using a mobile phone, narrowly escaped a ban when he appeared before Bury magistrates.

Howarth, aged 39, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention after being spotted at the wheel of a Ford Transit.

Miss Claire Stevens, prosecuting, described how Howarth, from Kynnaird, Ruthin, in North Wales, was spotted by police as he drove around Simister island and on to the northbound carriageway of the M66, chatting on his mobile phone. His van "drifted" from lane to lane.

The magistrates decided not to ban Howarth after being told he would suffer exceptional hardship. He was given three penalty points on his licence and fined £250 with £35 court costs.