A TEENAGER has been fined and points added to his licence after using his mobile phone while driving a tractor.

Charlie Sockett was stopped by police in Powys on September 6 last year using his mobile while driving a John Deere tractor – Welshpool Magistrates’ Court this week heard the tractor’s hands-free system had malfunctioned.

Sockett, 19, did not appear at court on Tuesday, April 4, but his solicitor said he admitted the offence.

Sockett, from Onibury, near Craven Arms, was driving on the A438 between Clyro and Whitney-on-Wye when he was pulled over at 9.11am last September.

Brendon Reedy, representing him, told the court: “He won’t be appearing this morning but he has requested this hearing.

“He thought he would have been caught by the new driver provisions, but he’s not. It’s a straightforward sentencing hearing.

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“He was using his mobile. He was driving a tractor at the time; it has a hands-free system, but it had malfunctioned. He was stopped by an officer coming in the opposite direction.

“He has been working since he was 16, when he passed his tractor test. There are no other offences, this is the only time he’s come to the attention of police.”

Magistrates placed six points on Sockett’s licence and ordered him to pay a £116 fine. He must also pay £85 costs and a £46 surcharge.