Australian police minister reports himself for using phone in car Published duration 21 March 2017

image copyright @troygrant image caption Mr Grant reported himself to police after tweeting this photo

An Australian police minister says he did not realise he was breaking the law when he picked up his mobile phone while driving.

Troy Grant, a New South Wales MP, was stationary when he took a photo, which he later tweeted from home.

After being alerted to the illegality, Mr Grant reported himself to police to face a A$325 (£203; $250) fine.

"This serves as a massive reminder. Nobody is above the law even if you are the police minister," Mr Grant said.

The minister had been stopped at roadworks when he photographed a car carrying a sheep in front of him.

image copyright Getty Images image caption Troy Grant hopes his mistake will be a warning to others

"I did not know that what I was doing was against the law," Mr Grant said on Tuesday.

"This is a great lesson for me, and I hope it is something that the community takes a lesson from as well."