Legal News

The Environment Agency has prosecuted five illegal anglers in Nottinghamshire, who were find more than £4,000 in total – and who have criminal records as a result of being convicted.

Jake Munns and Jai Makanji of Nottingham, Keegan Lambert and Kieran Buxton of Mansfield in Nottinghamshire – and Phillip Galley of Sutton-in-Ashfield in Nottinghamshire – were all found fishing illegally at the Woodend Lakes in Huthwaite during a routine patrol carried out by Environment Agency bailiffs.

The five defendants were tried on 2 March 2017 at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court.

Fines totalled £3,300, with a total of £635 in costs and a total of £330 in victim surcharges, bringing the total penalty for the five anglers to £4,265.

After sentencing, Environment Agency enforcement officer, Peter Haslock, said:

“This is an excellent result for the Environment Agency, as well as for the hundreds of thousands of anglers who follow the rules.

“These offenders could have saved themselves a substantial sum of money, as well as a criminal record, if they had bought the required licences – an annual rod licence that is valid from 1 April is available from just £30, so there really is no excuse.”

The Environment Agency recently launched “Get a Fishing Licence” web page on GOV.UK to simplify the process of buying a fishing licence. This is part of a series of changes that have been made to improve the service, including free licences for junior anglers up to the age of 17.

A fishing licence will now last for 12 months from the day it is bought, rather than expiring at the end of March every year – and a standard, year-long licence is available from £30.

Anglers now need only one licence to use three rods, rather than the two licences previously required.

The Environment Agency added that it carries out routine patrols to ensure that the future of angling is protected for the vast majority of anglers who fish legally.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Environmental Offences

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors can advise companies and individuals at any stage of an environmental offence, including charges relating to polluting watercourses, fisheries offences, fly tipping, waste carrier offences, failing to manage hazardous waste, air pollution, noise pollution, or misuse of permitted land.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales and in most major cities – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can advise at the start of an investigation by the Environment Agency or local authority and before charges are brought.

For expert legal advice on all environmental offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.