A MAN found himself in the dock for using a mobile phone at the wheel - and not for the first time.

Thomas Allison, of Ffynnongroyw, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Monday morning.

The 47-year-old had previously been convicted in his absence of using a handheld mobile phone or device whilst driving.

Prosecutor Alan Williams told the court that the offence took place just after midday on November 18 last year, when police spotted Allison exiting a dual carriageway in Ffynnongroyw.

He was seen holding a phone over the steering wheel in his right hand at the time.

When police stopped him, Allison admitted he'd been holding the phone to connect it to the hands-free kit in his car after it had fallen.

He then changed his story, claiming he'd been eating a sandwich - but his initial admission had been caught on bodycam.

The court heard the defendant was already subject to a 15 month driving ban for drug-driving, imposed in December.

But he had a further six points on his licence for using a mobile phone whilst driving, from 2021.

That meant that should the court impose a further six points, he'd receive an additional disqualification.

Defending himself, Allison said: "I do apologise.

"I wasn't using the phone - I was towing a trailer to the tip by Mostyn and it (the phone) fell off.

"I was trying to pick it up; I wasn't actually using it."

The defendant asked the Magistrates to give him the smallest ban possible in order for him to try and regain his licence when the drug-drive ban reaches its end in 2025.

"I need my licence for my family," he said.

"I've already done half of my [drug-driving] ban; I'm just trying to get a fresh start.

"The longer I'm banned, the more chance there is of doing something stupid.

"I'm not saying I would, but that's me being honest with you.

"I just want a fresh start with everything.

"I've had a horrible, horrible 12 months and that's not your fault; it's my own stupid fault I'm here."

Geoff Bull, Chair of the Magistrates, told the defendant: "You're not getting the message. Drug-driving; the consequences of that are significant and you could have killed someone.

"The mobile phone; you say you were just picking it up but you were not in control of the car."

Allison received a concurrent six-month ban for the latest phone offence and must pay a fine of £40, costs of £110 and a £16 victim surcharge.

"I've learned my lesson and I mean that from the bottom of my heart," the defendant told the court as he left.

"I promise you."