An Isle of Wight driver was spotted by police holding his Apple iPhone to his face for “three seconds” while on a call with his mum.

Louis Callen, of Woodside Road, Wootton, attended the IW Magistrates’ Court on September 20 and pleaded guilty to using a mobile phone while driving.

The 23-year-old was due to appear in court for trial after previously pleading not guilty but changed his plea after a police statement was released, court heard.

Lauren McConnell, prosecuting, said Callen was seen at the wheel of his Volkswagen using an Apple iPhone while driving on Fairlee Road in Newport on July 28.

Ms McConnell told the court that an officer saw Callen holding the phone up to his face with his right hand for approximately three seconds.

Stephen Thomas, defending, said his client initially disputed that he was holding the phone with his right hand, but he admits he was holding it in his left.

Mr Thomas told magistrates that, although there is no excuse, the road was clear at the time, and he was receiving a call from his mother, which he instinctively picked up and passed over to the passenger in his car.

Magistrates handed Callen six penalty points and ordered him to pay a £320 fine.

He must also pay a £128 surcharge and £120 costs.