AN Atherton driver who was talking on a mobile phone when she rammed into a motorcyclist has banned from driving.

Witnesses claimed they saw Victoria Hopkins, 23, using the phone as she passed other cars travelling at 50 mph.

Motorcyclist Tony Columbine was waiting at traffic lights when the accident happened.

Magistrates at Salford heard how he was thrown off his machine and tossed into the air. As a result of his injuries he needed an ankle pinning in five places and now needs a walking stick.

Witness Michael Hough told the bench he saw Hopkins talking on the phone and said: "It seemed the driver wasn't paying attention."

Hopkins was fined £360 and banned for a year for dangerous driving. She was ordered to pay £150 costs.