UK Goverment Minister Prosecuted for Driving While Using a Mobile Phone

A UK Government Minister responsible for Immigration has been found guilty of driving while using a mobile phone without a hands-free kit. The Birmingham Hodge Hill MP, Liam Byrne has been fined £100 (US$200) along with £30 costs and had 3 points added to his driving license.

Mr Byrne pleaded guilty by letter to the court and apologized saying that he was taking an important phone call, but acknowledged that he shouldn't have done that. The court said that his fine would have been £150, but was reduced because of Mr Byrne's prompt guilty plea and expression of remorse.

The former police minister was stopped by the police in Birmingham in July and prosecuted under the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Posted to the site on 2nd November 2007