MOTORIST Simon Clarke, who dropped the mobile phone he was using, and hurriedly tried to put his seat belt on when spotted by police, has escaped a driving ban. At an earlier court hearing, Ely magistrate had warned he could face a six-month disqualificat

MOTORIST Simon Clarke, who dropped the mobile phone he was using, and hurriedly tried to put his seat belt on when spotted by police, has escaped a driving ban.

At an earlier court hearing, Ely magistrate had warned he could face a six-month disqualification after being convicted of four offences.

But on Thursday Clarke was fined a total of �70 and three more points were added to his licence.

Back in March, the court heard he already had six points on his licence, and said he could be banned for six months under the under the "totting up" procedure that comes into play when a motorist collects 12 or more points.

Clarke, 36, of Meadow Close, Witchford, had been convicted of using a Peugeot 306 on the A10 at Ely on November 27 without a licence or MoT certificate, using a hand held phone and failing to wear a seat belt.

He was ordered to pay �85 in court costs and a �15 surcharge.