A VAN driver who didn't turn up to court after using his phone while driving must pay a hefty fine.

Nathan Timmins, of Picket Close in Fordingbridge, was caught using his mobile phone while driving a Ford Transit in Southampton.

The 29-year-old denied the offence on February 16 but didn't turn up to his trial at Southampton Magistrates' Court on May 2.

Magistrates found him guilty of the offence, which took place in Thomas Lewis Way on July 7, 2022.

Timmins was disqualified from driving for six months, fined £500 and ordered to pay £620 costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.