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Legal News

£400 penalty for illegal fishing (6 October 2016)

Date: 06/10/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, £400 penalty for illegal fishing

The Environment Agency has prosecuted an angler caught fishing without a rod licence and out of season.

On the 28 September 2016, Lloyd Sims of Ashbourne Road in Rocester, Uttoxeter, appeared at Stafford Magistrates’ Court charged with fisheries offences.

He was fined £330 for fishing without a rod licence and for fishing during freshwater close season, with costs of £127 and a victim surcharge of £30.

On 9 May 2016, an Environment Agency enforcement officer found Mr Sims fishing on the River Dove. A valid rod licence is required to fish all waters in England – Sims was not able to produce a valid rod licence and was reported for that offence.

He was also reported for fishing on a river during close season – close season seeks to protect fish during their breeding season, helping to increase fish stocks and secure angling for the future.

After the hearing, Environment Agency Enforcement, Mick Hyde, said:

“Across the country, we’re continuing to see similar fines handed out to anglers fishing illegally.

“Having to pay over £400 for a day of fishing just doesn’t make sense – especially when the cost of an annual licence is as little as £27.

“We are delighted that these fines send such a clear message to rod licence cheats – fishing without a licence is not worth the risk.

“Every year, nearly one million anglers fish legally, respecting each other and the sport – the money they pay to buy a licence supports fish, fisheries and fishing and protects the future of the sport.

“A small number of anglers refuse to buy a licence, cheating the sport and their fellow anglers.

“For the minority who flout the rules, the most common offence is fishing without a valid licence, which could land you with a fine of up to £2,500 and a criminal record.

“Last year the Environment Agency checked more than 62,000 rod licences –
and prosecuted more than 1,900 anglers for rod and line offences, resulting in fines and costs in excess of £500,000.

“Any angler aged 12 or over fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence.”

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

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