Horsforth mother fined for emergency call (From Wharfedale Observer)

Horsforth mother fined for emergency call

11:34am Friday 18th January 2013 in Local news

A concerned mother tried to telephone for an ambulance while driving because she was worried about her son, magistrates heard.

Vivienne Margaret Ducker, 54, of Alexandra Road, Horsforth, was stopped by a police officer who had seen her on her mobile phone as she drove along the A65 at Coniston Cold at just after 9.30pm on May 22, the Skipton court heard.

Ducker, who admitted driving while using her phone, said she was on her way to collect some items when her son had called her to say he was not feeling well, which had made her concerned for his well-being. She said she had pulled over to call 999 for an ambulance to be sent to his house, but she was unable to get reception.

“It was a dark night and very windy, I couldn’t get a signal on my phone and drove off to try to get a signal,” she said.

She told magistrates that she had brought her phone records which showed that no 999 call had actually been made.

Ducker was fined £35, had her licence endorsed and was ordered to pay costs of £45.