Gail Hickling, a 60-year-old resident Yardley Gobion near Milton Keynes, found herself in hot water after being caught red-handed using her mobile phone while behind the wheel near Gablecross police station.
The incident occurred on February 7th, when officers watched Hickling driving her Mazda 3 along Oxford Road, Swindon.
Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that Hickling not only lacked insurance but was also disqualified from driving until 2026, accumulating a staggering 30 points on her licence.
In light of her blatant disregard for the rules of the road, police seized the vehicle and started proceedings against her.
However, Hickling’s defiance extended further as she failed to appear in court for her scheduled hearing, prompting a warrant for her arrest.
Eventually, she surrendered herself at Milton Keynes police station, where Milton Keynes Magistrates dealt with her case on February 29th. Hickling pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, using a mobile phone while driving, and driving without insurance.
She was sentenced to a six-week prison term, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, she was ordered to cover £85 in court costs and a £154 fine.
T/Det Con Sean Williams condemned Hickling’s reckless actions, highlighting the lack of regard she exhibited for fellow road users. “Hickling showed no respect for the road users around her by so brazenly using her mobile phone on a busy Swindon road and right next to Gablecross police station. She was also disqualified from driving at the time – if she is caught driving within the next 12 months she will be sent straight to prison.
Williams reiterated the dangers associated with using mobile phones while driving, stressing that such behavior poses a significant risk to road safety.
“Using a mobile phone whilst driving is illegal – the road requires your full attention at all times and behaviour of this nature is one of the most common contributory factors of serious or fatal collisions,” he said.
