Man didn’t have ‘proper control of a vehicle’ while driving in Lisburn, court hears

Declan Burns, aged 49, whose address was given as Ballydrumman Road in Castlewellan, appeared before the court on February 5, 2026.

The defendant had initially been charged with using a mobile phone whilst driving, however this was changed during the court appearance to a charge of failing to have proper control of the vehicle.

The court heard that on Friday, August 22, 2025, police on mobile patrol in Lisburn were stopped at traffic lights on Queen’s Road.

The defendant pulled up and stopped at the lights in the inside lane.

Officers noted he had a mobile phone in his hand and seemed to be interacting with the phone.

It was stated that the defendant was driving a van carrying steel structures in the rear.

The defendant was pulled over by police. He told officers he used the phone as he didn’t know where he was.

Defence told the court: “He works for a steel engineering business and was delivering.

"When he drew up to the lights he moved the phone closer to him to see the maps. His vehicle was stationary at the time.”

A defence lawyer also told the court the defendant cared for his daughter and that his driving licence was needed.

District Judge Rosie Watters, who said the defendant was "lucky enough to be honest”, imposed a fine of £250, as well as an offender’s levy of £15.

Ms Watters also endorsed the defendant’s driving licence with three penalty points.