Co Armagh man, spotted using a mobile phone while driving Mercedes on M1 near Portadown, is given driving ban
A Co Armagh man has been banned from driving after failing to show up to court to face a charge of using a mobile phone while driving.
The 23-year-old was spotted using the phone by police officers on patrol on the M1 near Portadown.
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Daniel O’Neill, from Ballynery North Road, Portadown, failed to appear before Craigavon Magistrates Court.
Charged with failing to produce his driving licence and using a mobile phone while driving, the case against O’Neill was heard in his absence.
O’Neill’s solicitor asked to come off record due to the defendant’s failure to respond to emails from her office and a failure to give instructions in relation to the case.
The court heard police were conducting a motorway patrol on January 5, 2026 when they spotted the driver of a black Mercedes A180 holding a mobile phone in his right hand with the screen ‘back lit’.
O’Neill said he had received a notification and was looking at what it said.
Police issued O’Neill with a notice to produce his driving licence within seven days which he failed to do.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan said he was satisfied O’Neill is guilty of both offences.
“For the mobile phone offence, given his lack of engagement there will be a three-month driving disqualification,” he said.
He also issued a fine of £250 plus £15 offender levy. For failing to produce his licence O’Neill was fined £150.
"I know nothing about his means but I will give him 14 weeks to pay,” said the district judge.