TWO men have been convicted of driving while using handheld phones at Poole Magistrates' Court.

The men, who were charged in separate incidents, both pleaded not guilty to the offence. They were convicted following trials held on July 8.

Jamie Smith, of Royal Oak Road in Kent, was convicted in his absence of using a phone as he drove a Mercedes van in Barrack Road, Christchurch on July 27 2017. The 24-year-old was fined £220 and ordered to pay a £30 surcharge and £200 costs. His licence was also endorsed with six points.

Mel Bouzad was convicted of using a phone as he drove a Vauxhall in Wallisdown Road, Bournemouth on September 8 2017.

The 39-year-old, of St Anthony's Road, Bournemouth, was fined £220 and ordered to pay a £30 surcharge and £300 costs. He was also disqualified from driving for six months and given six points.

The defendant received a ban due to 'repeat offending', magistrates said.

In March 2017, those caught using a mobile phone while driving will now be issued with at least six points and a £200 fine.