A Keady man who was caught driving a tractor whilst using a mobile phone twice in two days has been handed three penalty points.
Court heard the 30-year-old drove tractors for a living and was caught out as his usual vehicle, which was fitted with hands-free, was broken down.
James Patrick McKee, 30, of Cargaclogher Road, pleaded guilty to using a mobile whilst driving and failing to produce his licence at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Court heard that on August 29, at 11.20am, police stopped the defendant driving a New Holland tractor on the Coolkill Road whilst using a mobile.
McKee made no reply to caution and was offered a fixed penalty.
He said he could not produce his licence and was given time by police to do so but he did not.
Defence counsel stated: “He was stopped the previous day for exactly the same charge. This was dealt with in Dungannon by way of three penalty points and a £300 fine.
“Therefore, his licence is not in court as it is currently with the DVLA having points added.”
She explained: “Mr McKee drives tractors for work. This was not his usual vehicle and was not fitted with hands-free.
“He instructs that he simply forgot to produce his licence to the police.”
The defendant was handed three penalty points and ordered to pay a fine of £300, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 26 weeks.
