The Free Representation Unit, a charity that provides no-cost legal representation for the public and advocacy experience for junior lawyers, is £10 better off after a judge ordered a barrister to make a £10 donation to charity because his phone went off in court.

According to the Evening Standard, Judge Jeremy McMullen scolded Lawrence McNulty when his mobile rang during a hearing at Southwark Crown Court, saying: “Who’s got a mobile phone? Come here Mr McNulty.

“There are signs all over the building saying turn it to silent. Did you miss them?” The judge went on: “Is this a first offence?” to which McNulty replied: “Probably the second in about 25 years.”

The paper reports that the Free Representation Unit was the beneficiary of the fine.