A FATHER-OF-FOUR pleaded with magistrates to keep his driving licence after he was convicted of a driving offence.

Mitchell Baum, 39, of Yew Tree Farm, near Newcastle, in Staffordshire, pleaded guilty to using his mobile phone while driving, but begged magistrates to not ban him from driving because he said he relied on his car for his business.

Mitigating for himself at Darlington Magistrates' Court, Baum said: "I was using a hands-free set but it wasn't working so I picked up my phone. My licence is so important to me. I've got four children, I'm the only breadwinner. I have to use my car."

The driver already had nine points on his licence, some from speeding offences.

David Maddison, prosecuting, explained: "He was caught using his mobile phone while driving his Mercedes Benz Sprinter by a police officer in St Cuthbert's Way, Darlington, on June 6.

"The officer saw the man use his mobile phone."

The court heard how a year ago Baum had been in the same situation and asked magistrates not to take away his licence due to "exceptional hardship".

He was told he could not use the same excuse again and was banned from driving for six months, fined £115, ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £15.