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Environment Agency considers prosecution for angler caught without licence who gave false details (20 May 2016)
Date: 20/05/2016
The Environment Agency says that enforcement officers have arrested an angler in Stoke-on-Trent, after he gave false details and tried to leave the scene.
The angler was fishing at Overflow Pools in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday (14/05/16), when enforcement officers asked to see a valid rod licence.
When the angler failed to produce a licence, Environment Agency enforcement officers asked for details to formally report the angler – he then gave false details and tried to leave the scene.
Eventually the angler gave their correct information and was released – the Environment Agency says it will now consider all the information in any associated prosecution.
In 2015, Environment Agency enforcement officers in Staffordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands checked a total of 5,584 licences – and reported 265 anglers for fishing illegally.
The Environment Agency says that the most common offence is fishing without a valid licence – an offence which attracts a fine of up to £2,500 and a criminal record.
However, every year, nearly one million anglers fish legally, despite the fact that every adult who goes fishing needs a rod licence.
The money paid towards a rod licence supports fish, fisheries and fishing and protects the future of the sport, says the Environment Agency.
The Environment Agency’s Enforcement Team Leader, Mick Hyde, added:
“The vast majority of anglers who fish legally deserve to see those who flout the law brought to account.
“To that criminal minority, our message is clear – we take robust action to stop illegal fishing.
“All the money raised from rod licence sales is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries, benefiting anglers – and those cheating the system will be prosecuted.
“Any angler aged 12 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence.”
Duncan Lewis Criminal Lawyers
Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers can advise individuals and companies at any stage of a charge involving environmental offences, including fly tipping, failing to manage hazardous waste, waste carrier offences, noise pollution, water pollution or air pollution, misuse of permitted land, or fisheries offences, such as fishing without a rod licence.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence lawyer can advise before charges are brought.
For expert legal advice on environmental offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers on 0333 772 0409.