A Pentecostal church pastor who was caught using his mobile phone while driving has avoided a ban after claiming his congregations would suffer if he was unable to drive.
A police officer had spotted Joseph Cherian, pastor of Mahanaim Church of God, Manchester, using the phone to navigate while on the M56 in Cheshire last December. The 55-year-old faced a six-month ban after the extra six points took his licence tally to the maximum twelve points.
Cherian who is also known as Pastor Biju Cherian, told the court that he was the only person able to lead services in the 13 churches he oversees in the north of England and Wales. He said many of his churches would have to close if he was unable to travel to them and his counselling and hospital visits among others would suffer.
His lawyer, Gwyn Lewis, told the court that Cherian drives about 60,000 miles every year, the equivalent of 5,000 miles a month, adding that “hardship will be suffered by other individuals, individuals calling on him and for the welfare of the churches. Those individuals are those who would suffer.”
Members of his congregations had also submitted letters of support outlining the role he plays in their lives.
Chester magistrates accepted the argument and decided not to impose a ban. Justice of the Peace Ian Williams told him: “You are [responding to] the needs of your congregation and the needs that you are often asked to come out for in crisis times.
“That is something we admire that you do and we are sure the people here are eternally grateful.”
Cherian was fined £492 and ordered to pay £327 in costs and surcharge.