DRIVERS using their phones behind the wheel have been caught out in a police sting.

Community police officers carried out an operation near high-risk areas such as schools and busy roads leading into town last month.

Five on-the-spot tickets were issued, one vehicle was seized, and a woman was charged for drink driving and driving while on her phone.

Melissa Middlemass, 42, of Boness Road, Wroughton, pleaded guilty to both charges when she appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court and was disqualified for 30 months and ordered to pay a £76 fine for using her phone while driving.

Acting Sgt Beckie Diamon, from the Swindon south community police, said: “This operation was held in support of the national campaign and was a good opportunity to raise awareness of the increased risk of mobile phone use when driving and the implications of continued offending.

"Using a mobile phone whilst driving seriously increases the risk of a collision, and your driving ability is reduced.”