A DALTON man who was accused of using his mobile phone while driving his grandson to his first rugby game has been acquitted.

Darren Walker, of Duke Street in Dalton, appeared before Furness Magistrates' Court on Wednesday October 5.

The 48-year-old was charged with not being in the position to have proper control of the vehicle due to being on a mobile phone.

The court heard from Officer Robert Hayes who flagged down the defendant as he was passing the Askam roundabout on A595 on April 16 this year.

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Officer Hayes said: "When the vehicle approached me I saw that his left hand was on the wheel, but not his right hand.

"Because I was high up in my van I could see that in his right hand, next to the steering wheel, he was holding a fairly large smart phone.

"There was a short delay as there were a few cars behind him but I caught up with the vehicle after a mile or two down the road and followed him into the centre of Askam."

Officer Hayes then illuminated the blue lights and stopped Mr Walker in Fallowfield Road in Askam.

The defendant immediately denied the charges and the matter was brought to court.

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Officer Hayes reported that the defendant was "upset and angry" at being stopped and began denying the charge before he had even finished explaining.

Mr Walker, who was defending himself, said: "I was 100 per cent not using my phone. I didn't even pick it up.

"I was never offensive towards anyone but I couldn't believe he stopped me for having my phone in my hand when I hadn't.

"I was frustrated."

The defendant told the court that he was travelling from his home in Dalton to Askam to take his grandson to his first ruby match and that he would never touch his phone while driving - especially with his grandchild in the car.

He said: "I'm an experienced driver and have been on many courses.

"I know the dangers of using devices while driving so I think the officer has obviously made a mistake.

"That's why I wanted to come to court. I could have just walked away with an £80 fine but I've been accused of something I haven't done."

Mr Walker was acquitted of the charge.