A teacher was caught by undercover police using her mobile phone after she almost drove into them on a busy Dundee road.
Police travelling in an unmarked vehicle had to take evasive action on Broughty Ferry road, close to the junction with Greendykes Road, after McCullough swerved between the inside and outside lanes.
Rachel McCullough, 33, then waved her hand out her window to apologise for her poor driving.
Officers saw her driving carelessly as she left the junction at Broughty Ferry Road, East Dock Street and Greendykes Road in September last year.
She admitted doing so at Dundee Sheriff Court, which heard she was trying to read a WhatsApp message sent from her employer imploring her to register for an online learning app so she could continue teaching during the pandemic.
Nearly hit police car
Police were drawn to her silver Vauxhall Astra as she travelled along the 40mph dual carriageway at “excessively slow speed”.
Fiscal depute Dev Kapadia told the court: “They spotted the accused driving using a mobile phone.
“Officers turned their vehicle and drew alongside her.
“They confirmed the accused was using the phone.
“They noted she was driving much slower and weaved in the lane toward approaching vehicles.
“She veered to the outside lane and quickly corrected back to the centre of the inside lane.
“She then swerved again into the offside lane, this time crossing the line into the outside lane, causing the police car to brake.
“The accused realised what she had done and waved her hand out of the window as a form of apology.
“She did not know it was the police.”
‘A number of things coalesced’
Ms Kapadia said she pulled over and told them she was using WhatsApp.”
McCullough, of Brook Street, was given a warning, cautioned and charged and allowed to go on her way.
In mitigation, defence solicitor Anika Jethwa said: “She is a digital learning officer.
“This was in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
“She was on her phone after taking a PCR test.
“She received a text from work and was anxious she should set up her digital learning course so her classes could continue.”
Ms Jethwa said she was “essentially homeless” after a change in domestic circumstances, with all her belongings in her car and was “concerned about her elderly parents”.
“She is extremely apologetic, ashamed and embarrassed.
“This was one of a number of things which coalesced.
“She is extremely upset the police stopped her.
“She has been very concerned about the outcome of proceedings.”
Driving warning
Sheriff John MacRitchie imposed six penalty points and fined her £320.
He said: “Significant careless driving can cause disqualification.
“But I am understanding there was no accident.
“Do note this will be recorded against you as careless driving.
“Any further points imposed could see you disqualified from driving.
“This was a stupid activity which could have had serious consequences.
“Make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
