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Enforcement

Protecting fish and fisheries from poachers and fish thieves and increasing rod licence compliance has to be of great importance to all anglers. The aquatic environment and the sport fishing industry deserve to be protected – and those who cheat honest anglers by not contributing to funding improvements must be brought to book. The Angling Trust has listened carefully to the concerns of anglers, angling clubs, fishery owners and managers, and in partnership with the Environment Agency has devised a very clear vision and strategy to tackle the issues. 

Come here to see the latest Monthly Prosecutions List of Fishing Licence Offences? They are HERE.

 

Fisheries Enforcement Support Service

The ‘FESS’ is a partnership between the Angling Trust and Environment Agency and funded by English freshwater fishing licence income. The FESS went ‘live’ on 1st November 2015, following the Angling Trust being awarded the National Angling Strategic Services contract by the Environment Agency.

FESS managers are all retired police officers of immense experience – and, as anglers themselves, perfectly understand the issues faced and required response.

The FESS builds on the groundwork and vision firmly laid between 2012-2015 and exists up until the present day to support the Environment Agency, the statutory lead on fisheries enforcement, through:

  • Coordinating a multi-agency approach to fisheries crime and compliance, encouraging a partnership approach. 
  • Raising awareness throughout the police service, Crown Prosecution Service and Magistrates’ Association. 
  • Helping advise the police and Agency and helping put things right should the service fall short. 
  • Increasing incoming intelligence and sharing of that information. 
  • Upskilling the angling community through Fisheries Enforcement Workshops and the provision of expert advice to angling clubs and fisheries. 
  • Delivering the Voluntary Bailiff Service throughout England, empowering anglers to contribute to fisheries enforcement. 
  • Delivering the Building Bridges Project, aimed at the education and integration of migrant anglers. 

Please do not hesitate to contact your Regional Enforcement Support Manager for professional enforcement advice. Contact details can be found here.

Voluntary Bailiff Service

The Voluntary Bailiff Service is an increasingly important partnership between the Angling Trust and Environment Agency, empowering anglers to support the police and Agency in fighting back against fisheries crime and protecting fish and fisheries. The VBS initiative continues to be enormously successful, driving forward positive change.

Effective enforcement today is ‘intelligence-led’, relying upon incoming calls and information. This country has a long and proud history of volunteering, the police, for example, have received essential support from the Special Constabulary for many years and now have 500,000 Police Support Volunteers nationally.

Indeed, in Eastern Europe, government fisheries officers are supported by a huge army of volunteers – 5,000 in Poland alone – and in Holland, Royal Sportfisserij Nederland effectively manages and administers fisheries enforcement volunteers.

The Voluntary Bailiff Service, therefore, is a unique opportunity for freshwater anglers in England to positively contribute towards supporting the Environment Agency and police in protecting fish and fisheries.

Following a hugely successful pilot project in South East England between 2012 and 2015, the VBS revolves entirely around training Volunteer Bailiffs to report incidents and information to the appropriate agency and to a high evidential standard, thereby increasing the chances of successful prosecutions.

The VBS is inclusive, embracing volunteers from all age groups, sexes and ethnicities and we particularly welcome applications from the BAME community. The Angling Trust is also a member of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.

 

 

 
 

A Voluntary Bailiff examines a recovered hoop net with an Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement Officer

Due to health and safety considerations, the volunteers are not expected to approach anglers on the bank – but report what they see and hear. It emphasises how vitally important reporting is and calls should be made to the 24-hour Environment Agency incident hotline 0800 80 70 60.

The VBS is currently administered by six regions throughout England, each run by an Angling Trust Regional Enforcement Support Manager, who works very closely with the Environment Agency and police. Each region is sub-divided into areas, each with an Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement Officer acting as a Single Point of Contact, liaising with a volunteer serving as an Area Co-ordinator.

Training is provided by Angling Trust staff, who are both retired police officers and anglers; the Environment Agency; UK National Wildlife Crime Unit or local police, and the Fish Health Inspectorate.

Volunteers receive a pocketbook, identity card and Angling Trust clothing. Most importantly, access is provided to the secure VBS website for reporting purposes and information sharing. All volunteers must be over 18 years of age.

Annually, the VBS participates in Operation CLAMPDOWN with the Environment Agency and police, cracking down on illegal fishing during the coarse close season. This is a perfect opportunity to promote and increase partnership working, intelligence gathering and sharing – and for Volunteer Bailiffs to work directly with the professionals on joint patrols. During the 2019 close season, Operation CLAMPDOWN ran for the seventh consecutive year. Volunteer Bailiffs throughout England demonstrated their massive commitment to protecting fish and fisheries and cracking down on licence cheats by logging 3,650 patrols and reporting 131 incidents to the Environment Agency and police during ‘OCD7’.

All anglers can help this process, in fact – at any time of year – by reporting information and offences in progress to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60, or the police on 101/999 as appropriate.

If you are interested in joining the Voluntary Bailiff Service please complete the VBS Application Form:

 

What our volunteers say

“The Voluntary Bailiff Service has taken a step into the future and utilised the biggest asset that the angling world has, the anglers themselves.” 

“I honestly believe the VBS is a fantastic step for fishery enforcement and protection. The concept is extremely simple, however the information that can be received from it could be crucial in tackling many issues that the angling world faces.”  – Becky, East of England

“Becoming a Voluntary Bailiff has enhanced my job as a police wildlife officer and opened the doors to many new contacts in the angling and fishery businesses to assist with joint Patrols.”  – Nick, South West

“Great Training, information and advice. Flexible times and locations to suit you. A very enjoyable cause. Come and join us.”  – Terry, South West

“For me, Joining the Voluntary Bailiff Service is a way I can give something back to the community, making good use of my retirement. It is not about catching people doing wrong, for me the reward comes from educating and helping people do things right, both in terms of legalities but also in looking after our waters and wildlife.”  – Clifford, Midlands

“I guess I got to an age when I felt the need to give something back to the sport of angling. I was already a club bailiff and the Voluntary Bailiff Service seemed to be a natural extension of what the clubs were doing individually already. I firmly believe that the work I have done in my area has had a huge impact. I strongly urge all anglers who have some spare time to get involved.”  – Michael, North West

“The Voluntary Bailiff Service is a very important and vital organisation for us as anglers. As a Voluntary Bailiff I can help to protect our beautiful sport.” – Maciej, South East

“The updating of the electronic database is quick and easy and can be used by anyone without IT knowledge.”  – Ben, VB and PCSO

“Got to say I had a great time meeting and patrolling with you all. Great place and great people. Days like that are what life is about. Plenty of people asked me what the Angling Trust was about, it was great to get such a positive reaction.”  – Graeme, North East

Paul, an Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement Officer, contacted us to say: “I carried out a joint patrol on Thursday with one of your VBS bailiffs. I just want to say what a credit he is to the VBS. From my perspective he is exactly what the VBS was set up for. Even if he doesn’t note any illegal activities, we know that on a regular basis the key areas are being covered without using EA resources, allowing us to focus in other areas.”

 

Fishing Licence Offences

Recent Prosecutions

The Angling Trust encourages all anglers to comply with the law and buy an Environment Agency rod licence at www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence

The funds raised from licence sales are spent on improving fish stocks and promoting angling, including several programmes of work delivered by the Angling Trust itself.

This data is provided periodically by the Environment Agency, and only refers to prosecutions of anglers that were conducted by courts in England in the month stated.

It does not include resolutions by way of cautions, warning letters or advice and guidance letters.

 

November 2023 – January 2024

Total fines for November – January: £33,458

Average fine: £371

 

On 13th November 2023 at Barkingside, the offender Andras Laczko aged 30 of Goldcroft, Hemel Hempstead, was prosecuted for the offence of Preparing to Fish With No Licence at Tylers Common Fisheries on 14/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 6th November 2023 at Susses Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Ben Barratt aged 37 of Central Parade, Herne bay, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Orchard Place Farm on 13/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 6th November 2023 at Susses Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Daniel Ciemniak aged 42 of Everside Drive, Manchester, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Smiths Lake on 08/04/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 6th November 2023 at Susses Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Daniel Suttey aged 33 of The Slade, Clophill, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Smiths Lake on 27/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 6th November 2023 at Susses Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Kenny Huckle aged 40 of Cam Causeway, Cambridge, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Fenland Fisheries on 12/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 6th November 2023 at Susses Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Miles Minall aged 36 of Aspdin Road, Northfleet, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Monk Lakes on 01/04/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 6th November 2023 at Susses Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Robert Naidoo aged 37 of Sunderland Road, Sandy, was prosecuted for the offences of Preparing to fish with No Licence, Obstructing a Water Bailiff, and Giving false details, at River Great Ouse – Roxton, on 27/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £1059

On 6th November 2023 at Susses Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Ryan Churchill aged 26 of Coniston Close, Bexleyheath, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Horsmonden Fishing Lakes on 08/07/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £499

On 6th November 2023 at Susses Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Tony Simpson aged 40 of Oakdene Road, Orpington, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at St John’s Lake, Linear Fisheries on 29/04/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 6th November 2023 at Susses Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Vasile Tudor Trut aged 40 of The Dell, Wembley, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Farlows Lake on 25/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £393

On 28th November 2023 at Swindon, the offender Adam Breen aged 33 of Imber Road, Winchester, was prosecuted for the offence of Preparing to fish with No Licence at Kinghams Lake, Winnall, on 17/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 28th November 2023 at Swindon, the offender Dave Cox aged 51 of Holmlea, Wookey, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at King’s Sedgmoor Drain- Greylake, on 23/04/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £91

On 28th November 2023 at Swindon, the offender Lawrence Smith aged 52 of Loxley Road, London, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Pittleworth Trout Lake, on 22/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 28th November 2023 at Swindon, the offender Martin McDonagh aged 21 of Botley Road, Southampton, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed Fishing, Close Season Fishing, and Regional Byelaw: OFRB7 at River Itchen – Shawford on 17/04/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £112

On 28th November 2023 at Swindon, the offender Owan McDonagh aged 25 of Botley Road, Southampton, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed Fishing, and Regional Byelaw: OFRB7 at River Itchen – Shawford on 17/04/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £927

On 28th November 2023 at Swindon, the offender Owan McDonagh aged 25 of Botley Road, Southampton, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed Fishing, and Regional Byelaw: OFRB7 at River Itchen – St Mary’s Church Bridge on 17/04/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £440

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Abel Paun aged 31 of Electric Avenue, Birmingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Earlswood Lakes on 05/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Adam Kuminski aged 34 of Cloutsham Street, Northampton, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed Fishing and Close Season Fishing at River nene, Earls Barton, on 14/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £415

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Andrew Schwalbe aged 59 of Teal Drive, Birmingham was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Buzzard Valley Fishery on 18/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Arran Everitt aged 28 of Greenwood Road, Walsall, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Pipe Hill Farm Pool on 02/07/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £277

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Brett Steed aged 40 of Westbourne Street, Walsall, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Hatherton Lake on 15/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Christian Wickett aged 50 of Danesbury Crescent, Birmingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Buzzard valley Fishery on 18/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Christian Paun aged 36 of Deykin Avenue, Birmingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Earlswood Lakes on 07/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Darius Dee aged 21 of Ellison Close, Evesham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Manor farm Pools on 16/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Darren Hawkins aged 31 of Hipkiss Gardens, Droitwitch, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Herriotts Pool on 20/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender David Paun aged 19 of Deykin Avenue, Birmingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Earlswood Lakes on 07/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender David York aged 58 of Spencer Road, Irthlingborough, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Wellingborough and District Angling Club on 30/04/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender George Upton aged 20 of Bentinck Road, Carlton, was prosecuted for the offence of National Byelaw: OFB10, at Gunthorpe – River Trent on 16/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £219

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Grigore Garbiel Vlad aged 44 of Beckhampton Road, Nottingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Heron Lake, Cotgrove on 08/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Ion Miroiu aged 46of Tame Road, Birmingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Earlswood Lakes on 07/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Jack Iley aged 28 of Laburnum Grove, Nuneaton was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Riddings Fishery on 18/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Jamie-Lee Hilton aged 26 of Eccleston Avenue, Ellesmere Port, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Baden Hall Fishery on 17/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Marius Ivanciu aged 26 of Sneinton Dale, Nottingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Grantham Canal, Nottingham on 08/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Mikolaj Wisniewski aged 42 of Abbey Road, Erdington, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Birmingham and Fazeley Canal, Gravelly Hill on 30/07/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £214

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Petre Ivanciu aged 21 of Pyatt Street Nottingham was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Grantham Canal, Nottingham on 08/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Ritchie Hennessey aged 33 of Turfpits Lane, Birmingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Buzzard Valley Fishery on 18/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Robert Ptak aged 47 of was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed Fishing, Close Season Fishing and National Byelaw: WRA034 at River Nene, Earls Barton on 14/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £303

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Stanimir Bachvarov aged 43 of Mayhill Way, Gloucester, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Manor Farm Pools on 16/07/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £219

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Thomas Dee aged 24 of Ellison Close, Evesham was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Manor farm Pools on 16/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Tomasz Pomykala aged 32 of Dellfield Avenue, Lincoln, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Nether Lock – River Trent on 30/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £219

On 18th December 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Valentin Ionut Miroiu aged 22 of Tame Road, Birmingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Earlswood Lakes, on 07/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 7th December 2023 at North Cheshire, the offender Jamie Taylor aged 29 of Wharfedale Avenue, Crewe, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing, at Brookside Fisheries on 13/08/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 14th December 2023 at Swindon, the offender Neculai Mocanu aged 53 of Station Parade, Feltham, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing, at The Malms – River Itchen on 14/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 12th December 2023 at West Cheshire, the offender Mark Hughes aged 54 of Poulton Road, Wirral, was prosecuted for the offence of Preparing to fish with No Licence, at Partridge Lakes, Culcheth on 10/09/2022, received a verdict of Guilty with a conditional discharge of 6 months and was fined £26

On 17th January 2024 at Barkingside, the offender Mark Wright aged 58 of Laurel Fields, Potters Bar, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at The Chase Fishery on 15/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £433

On 17th January 2024 at Barkingside, the offender Michael Randall aged 30 of Downs Way, Epsom, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Ravensbury Park – River Wandle on 30/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £433

On 17thth January 2024 at Barkingside, the offender Valentin Arteni aged 54 of High Street, London, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Keston Ponds on 25/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £433

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Ashley Harris aged 29 of Offerton Lane, Warndon, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Top Barn Pools on 05/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Ben Watson aged 31 of Calvert Road, Bolton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Marchamley Pool on 16/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £377

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Brett Tranter aged 34 of Hill Crest Road, St Georges, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Gailey Lower Reservoir on 26/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Cameron Allton aged 24 of Moat Crescent, Malvern, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Callow End – River Severn on 05/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Chris Bantock aged 44 of Naunton Road, Gloucester, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing and Giving False Details, at Matson Lake on 01/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £751

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Craig McCullough aged 35 of Woodhouse Lane, Manchester, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Cudmore Fisheries on 01/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Daniel Tonks aged 30 of Hawkley Road, Wolverhampton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Fisherwick Fishery on 05/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Ion Zuber aged 36 of Bell Tower Close, Walsall, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Gunthorpe, River Trent on 01/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Keith Millard aged 64 of Cox Road, Bilston, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Townsend Farm Fishery on 30/07/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £339

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Lucian Firici aged 44 of Stratford Road, Hall Green, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Mereside Fishery on 16/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £339

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Luke Thompson aged 34 of Sandy Lane, Wildmoor, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Jam Factory Pools on 17/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £751

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Maciej Zaprawa aged 42 of Redland Road, Leamington Spa, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Warwick – River Avon on 24/09/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Mateusz Bieletzki aged 20 of Taverner Road, Boston, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Antons Gowt – River Witham on 10/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £339

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Michael Manning aged 32 of Catherine Street, Liverpool, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Monument on 15/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Mindaugas Ciuzelis aged 33 of Overdale, Overdale, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Marchamley Pool on 16/08/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £339

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Nathan Jackson aged 30 of Nettlebarn Road, Manchester, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Cudmore Fisheries on 01/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Ramunas Zukauskas aged 32 of Byron Close, Newark, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing and National Byelaw: OFB10, at Newark Dyke – River Trent on 01/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £731

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Steven Donnor aged 42 of Park Gate Road, Rugeley, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Baden Hall Fishery on 09/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 15th January 2024 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court, the offender Tyrone Eliffe aged 27 of Burgess Road, Coalville, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Riddings Fishery on 19/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 17th January 2024 at North Cheshire, the offender Alfie Fallows aged 20 of Langdale Road, Carnforth, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Wyreside Lakes on 10/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £273

On 3rd January 2024 at North Cheshire, the offender Samuel Joseph Smalley aged 27 of Stonegarth, Carlisle, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Clearwater Fisheries on 10/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £339

On 17th January 2024 at North Cheshire, the offender Shane Nestor aged 25 of Kingsway South, Warrington, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing and Close Season Fishing, at Warrington – River Mersey on 06/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £275

On 17th January 2024 at North Cheshire, the offender Tony Timbrell aged 45 of Buckfast Close, Bootle, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Clearwater Fisheries on 17/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £297

On 12th January 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Rashko Kostandinov aged 38 of Gardens, Creighton Road, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Rib Valley Lakes on 06/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 30th January 2024 at Swindon, the offender Adam Pope aged 37 of Charlton Mead, Charlton Marshall, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Hordle Lake on 27/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 8th January 2024 at Swindon, the offender Adam Taylor aged 27 of London Road, Ashford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at River Farm on 08/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 30th January 2024 at Swindon, the offender Albert Kempster aged 29 of Marchwood Road, Eling, was prosecuted for the offence of Preparing to Fish with No Licence, at Leckford Estate – River Test on 25/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 8th January 2024 at Swindon, the offender Andon Xhika aged 36 of Cranmer Road, Oxford, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing and Regional Byelaw: OFRB7, at Hockley – River Itchen on 08/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £387

On 8th January 2024 at Swindon, the offender Astrit Veshi aged 49 of Rivermead Road, Oxford, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing and Regional Byelaw: OFRB7, at Hockley – River Itchen on 08/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £751

On 8th January 2024 at Swindon, the offender Hajri Karoshi aged 53 of Yeftly Drive, Littlemore, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing and Regional Byelaw: OFRB7, at Hockley – River Itchen on 08/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £283

On 8th January 2024 at Swindon, the offender Harry Burston aged 31 of Otterford, Chard, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Chard Reservoir on 09/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 8th January 2024 at Swindon, the offender Joshua Cooper aged 18 of Warren Avenue, Southampton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Highbridge – River Itchen on 27/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 30th January 2024 at Swindon, the offender Michael Smith aged 20 of Southampton Road, Titchfield, was prosecuted for the offence of Preparing to Fish with No Licence, at Leckford Estate – River Test on 25/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 8th January 2024 at Swindon, the offender Oakley Bedford aged 23 of Beaufort Road, Havant, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Sinah Warren on 05/08/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £314

On 8th January 2024 at Swindon, the offender Patrick Taylor aged 25 of Harlaxton Road, Grantham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at River Test on 25/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 8th January 2024 at Swindon, the offender Petro Petrascu aged 47 of New Chapel Square, Feltham, was prosecuted for the offence of Regional Byelaw: OFRB7, at The Malms – River Itchen on 14/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £597

On 8th January 2024 at Swindon, the offender William Manning aged 27 of Sleaford Road, Beckingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at River Test on 25/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £268

 

Data Licence:
The Limited Licence granted by the Angling Trust to use the information on this web page will automatically expire 3 calendar months from the date that it is first uploaded to the Angling Trust website. For the avoidance of doubt this varies the limited licence described elsewhere in this website’s Limited Notice.

Monthly Fisheries Prosecutions.
Frequently Asked Questions and Glossary of Terms

FAQs
1. I didn’t know about the court hearing date, what can I do? You can contact the Magistrates Court and ask for the case to be re-opened. www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk/courts

2. Why are the outcomes different for the same offence? At each hearing, the Magistrates take into consideration: the facts of the case, the attitude of the offender, any mitigation offered by the offender and their ability to pay any financial punishment.

Glossary of Terms
‘Penalty’ The penalty is what offender has to pay. It comprises the sum of the fine for the offence committed; a contribution to the Environment Agency costs; the Criminal Court Charge and a victim surcharge. The fine and victim surcharge is decided by the Magistrates hearing the case on the day. Fines go to the treasury. Costs go to the Environment Agency and contribute to the cost incurred in taking the case to court. Victim Surcharge goes to a specific fund for victims of crime. See: http://sentencingcouncil.judiciary.gov.uk/sentencing/victim-surcharge.htm

‘Proof in Absence’ The defendant did not enter a plea at the time their case was heard. The Court convicted the person in their absence.

‘Absolute Discharge’ The defendant is guilty but no fine is imposed

‘Conditional Discharge’ The defendant is guilty but no fine is imposed. There are conditions attached to the discharge: if re-offending occurs within the period of the discharge, the defendant can be sentenced for the original offence and the new one.

‘forfeiture order’ Equipment used in the offence is taken from the defendant and destroyed.

‘disqualification order’ The defendant is disqualified for a period of time, from holding or obtaining a fishing licence. You can’t fish during the period of disqualification.

Offence Code and Laymans Terms

 

  • OF329: Using more than one rod and line when fishing for Salmonoids in all rivers, streams, drains and canals
  • OFB08: Exceeded the 3 metre distance between rods
  • OFB10: Leaving Rod(s) and Line(s) unattended
  • OFNB3 (3): Removed eels or shad by rod and line from any waters
  • OFRB5 (North East): Used an illegal lure or bait
  • OFRB7: During the close season fished for Salmon, migratory Trout or non migratory Trout, other than with artificial fly or lure
  • OFRB8 (Southern): Used an illegal lure or bait
  • OFRB18 (1): Use of fish as bait in Lake District
  • OFNB5: Use of a keepnet less than 2 metres in length
  • OFNB8: Fishing with more than four rods and lines at the same time when fishing for coarse fish or Eels
  • TA002: Person who unlawfully takes, destroys or attempts to take/destroy any fish in water which is private property
  • WRA041: Fishing in a prohibited area
  • WRA034: Removed any listed freshwater fish by rod and line from any river, stream or drain, or listed water

Operation TRAVERSE and Operation LEVIATHAN

 

 

Poaching – fishing without permission – and fish theft, along with anti-social behaviour and other crime at fisheries are of great concern to all anglers.

Whilst the police deal with criminal matters, the Environment Agency is the statutory lead agency on fisheries enforcement. Essentially, this largely involves rod licence compliance and fisheries offences. Clearly then, the police and Agency have distinct roles – and must work smarter together.

To encourage this, in November 2014 Operation TRAVERSE, targeting poaching and fish theft, was launched at Lincolnshire Police headquarters, followed in June 2015, by Operation LEVIATHAN, launched at West Mercia Police headquarters. Most forces in the country now subscribe to one or other, ensuring that the Agency receives better support and anglers an improved service.

We must all understand that the system is ‘intelligence-led’, meaning that every incoming call and piece of information is vital. Indeed, the statistics arising are what quantify problems and arguments for more resources.

It is crucial that crimes in progress are reported to the police (police advise using 999 if appropriate), and fisheries offences to the Agency on 0800 80 70 60.  

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