Helicopter scrambled for apple-eating driver
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A woman stopped by police for holding an apple while driving was fined £60 yesterday in a case that had involved 10 court appearances.
A woman stopped by police for holding an apple while driving was fined £60 yesterday in a case that had involved 10 court appearances.
Sarah McCaffery, 23, a nursery nurse from Hebburn, South Tyneside, had not taken a bite out of the apple but was holding the fruit in her right hand as she negotiated a left-hand turn on 4 December 2003.
She was stopped by PC Lee Butler, who issued her with a £30 fine as part of a Northumbria Police drive against food or drink at the wheel.
The incident led to the dispatching of a police helicopter in order to take aerial photographs and videos, as well as nine preliminary hearings.
Ms McCaffery was fined £60 plus £100 costs after South Tyneside magistrates found that she was not in proper control of her car.
Ms McCaffery's solicitor criticised Northumbria Police and the Crown Prosecution Service for ordering aerial photographs, an aerial video shot and a video recording from a police car for the trial.
Geoffrey Forrester told the bench: "Nothing illustrates the nonsense of this case more than the resources that have been thrown at it."
However, Northumbria Police defended the proceedings, which cost £425, excluding the aerial work.
A police spokesman said: "It is vital that motorists are in proper control of their vehicles at all times and are fully concentrating on their driving."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments