Man ‘caught’ on the blower on his mower

A GARDENER is thought to have become the first person in Britain to be charged with using a mobile phone while operating a ride-on lawnmower after being stopped outside a police station.

The 47-year-old council gardener faces a fine of £200 and six penalty points if he is found guilty of using his phone at the traffic lights outside of a police station in Ely, Cardiff, on Tuesday.

The man was followed by South Wales Police officers who spotted him allegedly using his mobile while driving his lawnmower along Cowbridge Road West.

Cardiff Council confirmed that he was a member of staff and that he could also face disciplinary action at a later date.

It added: “[We] will be following up this matter in line with council policy and procedure.”

The gardener is set to appear at a magistrates’ court later this month.