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Warminster man fined after using phone while behind the wheel

JEFFREY Keel has been fined after using a mobile phone behind the wheel of a car in Westbury.

The 52-year-old, of Woodman Mead, Warminster, was witnessed using a phone while driving by officers in an unmarked police car on the A350 Haynes Road, Westbury, on May 16, 2024.

Salisbury Magistrates Court heard how, when questioned, Keel denied using his phone at the wheel.

However, an examination of the handset revealed a call had been made during the time he was seen driving.

At a sentencing hearing on Thursday, May 14, the court heard Keel – who was not in court – pleaded not guilty to the offence online.

However, he was fined £660 fine, and ordered to pay a £264 surcharge and £650 court costs.

He also had his driving record endorsed with six points.

PC Paul Brewster, of the Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “There is never a good reason to be using your phone while driving, it puts you at risk as well as other road users.

“Using a phone while driving is one of the fatal five primary causes of serious traffic collisions and such behaviour is completely irresponsible.”

READ MORE: Crime news from your New Blackmore Vale

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I am the editor in chief of Blackmore Vale media, which includes the New Blackmore Vale, New Stour & Avon, Salisbury & Avon Gazette and the Purbeck Gazette, having been a reporter for some 20 years. In my spare time, I am a festival lover, with a particular focus on Glastonbury. I live in Somerset with my wife and two children.