Andrew Heaton, of Commercial Buildings, also had his licence endorsed after admitting the two charges, as well as driving without insurance.
Centenier Danny Scaife said that Heaton was spotted by a police officer with his phone in his right hand as he drove a VW Golf slowly in heavy traffic across a zebra crossing on the corner of Beresford Street and Bath Street.
Heaton attended a parish hall inquiry and was fined £150 – but failed to pay.
The court heard that at 1.35 pm on 30 September, Heaton was seen on Route de la Libération with a phone in his right hand and was pulled over by the police. It was also noticed that his windscreen insurance disc was out of date.
The court heard that Heaton had valid insurance in place by the time he attended police headquarters two days later.
Advocate Lucy Marks, defending, said that her client’s business had recently folded and that he was in financial difficulties. She said that the fines would put him in further difficulty.
Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris said that had he paid the fine at the parish hall, he would not have been in court, adding: ‘In future, don’t have a mobile smart phone anywhere near you when you are driving, ensure that your insurance is in order and that your car is in good condition.’
