By Danny Halpin

A Kent MP has been banned from driving for six months after admitting to using his phone while behind the wheel.

Conservative MP for Tonbridge and Malling Tom Tugendhat was stopped by PC Joseph Robson on Wandsworth High Street on April 14.

Tugendhat, 49, previously admitted holding his phone at an earlier hearing but denied using it.

Prosecutor Geraldine Dickinson said: “He noticed that the driver was using a hand-held mobile phone.

“The device was being held in the left hand in front of themselves. He saw this from around three metres in good light without any obstructions for around 20 seconds.

“The driver was spoken to. It was confirmed the driver was not making an emergency contact to 999 and was using maps.”

In his guilty plea, submitted in writing to magistrates', Mr Tugendhat wrote: "I was holding my phone – not using it. After the incident I took a course to refresh and correct my driving.

"I accept my responsibility and recognise my culpability..."

"I accept my responsibility and recognise my culpability."

Appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today , wearing a dark blue suit and light blue tie, he was given six points on his licence.

Tugendhat already has six points for two speeding offences for which he was given three each.

District Judge Jack McGarva said a driving ban was now inevitable.

He said: “It is a very serious offence using a mobile phone in any way, it is a distraction, and it impairs people’s ability to drive safely and I would expect you to set a good example to the rest of us.

“You have pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and I have given you full credit and I do appreciate the frankness of how the case was presented on your behalf in a very realistic way.”

On top of his six-month driving disqualification, Tugendhat, of Tregarvon Road, Clapham, was given a £1,000 fine and he must also pay a £100 surcharge and £110 in costs.