LOUGHTON: Defoe fined for using phone while driving (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

LOUGHTON: Defoe fined for using phone while driving

2:47pm Friday 15th October 2010 in Epping Forest News By Edmund Tobin

FOOTBALLER Jermain Defoe has kept his driving licence as he was handed a fine of £800 for his latest motoring offence.

The England and Tottenham star, 27, had pleaded guilty to using his mobile phone while driving in Chigwell Lane, Loughton, in October last year.

Officers had pulled him over after spotting him using the device.

At Chelmsford Magistrates Court today, Defoe was handed the fine, and had his licence endorsed with three points.

He now has 11 points on his licence for driving offences committed between 2008 and 2010. A ban is issued at 12 points.

Defoe, from Cuffley, Hertfordshire, was also ordered to pay £930 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

District crown prosecutor Frank O’Toole said: “We take motoring offences very seriously and driving while using a mobile phone means the driver poses a significant danger to other road users as he is not giving his full attention to his driving or the road.”