The Environment Agency has prosecuted two men from Nottinghamshire for fishing without a rod licence.
Joshua Newton was caught fishing without a licence at Nether Langwith in north Nottinghamshire on 9 September 2015.
Newton – of Egmanton Road, Medan Vale – was approached by officers while at Langwith Lodge Lake.
Mansfield Magistrates’ Court heard he was caught without a rod licence while taking part in a match at Lodge Farm Fishery in Scrooby Top, near Bawtry.
At Mansfield Magistrates’ Court, Newton was fined £200, ordered to pay £127 costs and a victim surcharge of £29.
Justin Selman of Oldfield Terrace, Stannington in Sheffield was handed a fine of £400 and was also ordered to pay £127 costs and a victim surcharge of £40.
After the case, Senior Enforcement Officer, Mark Rumble, said:
“Anglers caught fishing illegally need to be aware that our officers are always out and about checking rod licences.
“As these results in court demonstrate, sooner or later you will get caught and we won’t hesitate to prosecute.”
Fisheries Enforcement Officers are regularly patrolling the lakes and river banks – and every year across the country, thousands of anglers are prosecuted for not having a fishing licence.
As well as swindling other anglers, fishing illegally can carry a hefty penalty –
getting caught without a licence could attract a fine of up to £2,500.
Any angler aged 12 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence, which costs from just £27 from the Post Office.
Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors
Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise companies and individuals at any stage of a charge involving environmental offences, including fisheries offences or charges relating to contamination of watercourses, air pollution, failing to manage hazardous materials or waste, fly tipping, or misuse of permitted land.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – and a member of the Duncan Lewis team can attend interview under caution or site inspections with prosecuting authorities such as the Environment Agency or local council.
For expert legal advice on environmental offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.