VETERAN Whittle's continental coach tour driver John Williams was talking to his boss on a mobile phone as he turned right at the Franche traffic island in Kidd-erminster, magistrates heard.

His control of the 70-seat coach was affected, PC Terry Law told the court, and he would not have been capable of a timely reaction in an emergency.

Williams told the officer he was paid extra to carry the mobile phone to receive orders from his depot.

Williams, 66, of Eastwood Drive, Kidderminster, was not in court to answer a summons alleging careless driving on a morning last Nov-ember.

He was convicted in his absence and ordered to attend on July 9 when a driving disqualification will be considered.

PC Law said he saw Williams holding the mobile to his left ear as he approached the island from the Bridgnorth road.

He switched it to his right hand to enable him to change gear to turn into Habberley Lane.