Crime Solicitors

The Environment Agency has prosecuted two anglers caught fishing illegally at a lake in Somerset.

Callum Cornish and Bradley Wiltshire were caught during routine rod licence checks at Newton Park Lake in Bath on 6 September 2015.

Cornish, 68, of Shaws Way in Bath and Wiltshire, 20, of Cameley Green in Bath did not appear in court and were sentenced in their absence, after being convicted of an offence under Section 27(1) (a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.

At Bath Magistrates’ Court on Monday (11/04/16), both men were fined £457 including costs, after being found guilty of fishing without a valid licence.

After the hearing, Head of Fisheries at the Environment Agency, Sarah Chare, said:

“All money raised through rod licence sales is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries, benefiting anglers.

“A rod licence is a legal requirement for fishing – it costs £27 for a licence for coarse fishing and non-migratory trout, or £72 if you also fish for salmon and sea trout.

“Anglers can buy a licence for the full season, a one-day licence, or an eight- day licence.”

Rod licences are available at the Post Office or online at the Post Office.

In 2014-2015, the Environment Agency checked 70,000 rod licences and prosecuted more than 2,000 anglers for fishing without a licence – resulting in more than £500,000 in fines and costs.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Lawyers

Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers can advise at any stage of an environmental offence, including charges relating to fisheries offences, waste management and waste carrier offences, noise, air or water pollution, or misuse of permitted land.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – and a Duncan Lewis criminal defence lawyer can advise both individuals and businesses on environmental offences.

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