Enforcement

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 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.

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 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:

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.

December 2022 & January – February 2023

Total fines for Dec – Feb: £32,259.50
Average fines for Dec – Feb: £408

On 5th December 2022 at Birmingham the offender Daniel Ruane aged 31 of Pebworth Grove, Birmingham was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Packington Somers, Meriden on 25/05/2015, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £116.00

On 12th December 2022 at Cheltenham the offender Richard Walker aged 75 of Spa Gardens, Tewkesbury was prosecuted for the offence of Fishing with artificial lure or fly for Salmon/Sea Trout using barbed hook at Tewkesbury Weir – River Severn,  on 29/04/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £355.00

On 12th December 2022 at Cheltenham the offender Richard Walker aged 75 of Spa Gardens, Tewkesbury was prosecuted for the offence of Regional Byelaw – WRA041 at Tewkesbury Weir – River Severn, on 29/04/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence with no sperate penalty imposed.

On 12th December 2022 at Cheltenham the offender Simon Cooke aged 50 of Perry Hill, Tewkesbury was prosecuted for the offence of Fishing with artificial lure or fly for Salmon/Sea Trout using barbed hook at Tewkesbury Weir – River Severn,  on 29/04/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £100.00

On 12th December 2022 at Cheltenham the offender Simon Cooke aged 50 of Perry Hill, Tewkesbury was prosecuted for the offence of Regional Byelaw – WRA041 at Tewkesbury Weir – River Severn, on 29/04/2022, received a verdict of Guilty with no separate penalty imposed.

On 9th December 2022 at Medway the offender Gary Carr aged 52 of Alder Way, Swanley, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Darenth Complex, Dartford, on 25/06/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £2,205.50

On 9th December 2022 at Medway the offender Gary Carr aged 52 of Alder Way, Swanley, was prosecuted for the offence of Giving False Details at Darenth Complex, Dartford, on 25/06/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £2,205.50

On 9th December 2022 at Medway the offender Gary Carr aged 52 of Alder Way, Swanley, was prosecuted for the offence of Causing Intentional Harassment at Darenth Complex, Dartford, on 25/06/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £2,205.50

On 19th December 2022 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court the offender Carl Melia aged 63 of Drury Close, Crewe, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Baden Hall Fishery, Eccleshall, on 07/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £345.00

On 19th December 2022 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court the offender Christian Harold aged 46 of Halford Street, Tamworth, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Fisherwick Fishery, Lichfield, on 19/06/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £295.00

On 19th December 2022 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court the offender Craig Haden aged 32 of Easthope Road, Birmingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Preparing To Fish With No Licence at Fisherwick Fishery, Lichfield, on 19/06/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £297.00

On 19th December 2022 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court the offender David Richardson aged 30 of Wallsall Road, Great Wyrley, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Chorley Springs, Burntwood, on 27/08/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £345.00

On 19th December 2022 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court the offender Jake Devine aged 24 of Burford Close, Willenhall, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Baden Hall Fishery, Eccleshall, on 07/07/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £297.00

On 19th December 2022 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court the offender Jamie Park aged 33 of Hales Gardens, Birmingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Baden Hall Fishery, Eccleshall, on 07/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £345.00

On 19th December 2022 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court the offender Stephen Arthur aged 35 of Heron Street, Stoke-On-Trent, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Basford Pools, Cheddleton, on 27/08/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £345.00

On 21st December 2022 at North Cheshire the offender Craig Smith aged 24 of Damwood Road, Liverpool, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Partridge Lakes, Warrington, on 02/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 7th December 2022 at North Cheshire the offender Scott Gracie aged 27 of Caldbeck Road, Lancaster, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Clearwater Fisheries, on 17/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £355.00

On 7th December 2022 at North Cheshire the offender Scott Gracie aged 27 of Caldbeck Road, Lancaster, was prosecuted for the offence of Giving False Details at Clearwater Fisheries, on 17/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and no separate penalty was imposed.

On 21st December 2022 at North Cheshire the offender Zak Tracey aged 23 of Mather Street, Radcliffe, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Partridge Lakes, Warrington, on 02/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 7th December 2022 at North Cheshire Magistrates Court Sitting at Runcorn the offender Adam Stewart aged 33 of Delph Common Road, Aughton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Leisure Lakes, Mere Brow, on 18/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 2nd December 2022 at Single Justice Procedure – South West, the offender George Ionat-Cioriou aged 27 of Portswood Road, Southampton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Testwood Lakes, Totton, on 27/03/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £389.00

On 2nd December 2022 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Darren Coffey aged 42 of Frayslea, Uxbridge, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Albans Lakes, London Colney, on 04/06/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £389.00

On 9th December 2022 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender David Plumb aged 59 of Station Road, Tiptree, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Layer Marney Reservoirs, Layer Marney, on 18/05/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £209.00

On 2nd December 2022 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Florin Iordan age unknown of Queen Street, Yaxley, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Kings Dyke, Whittlesea, on 27/04/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £201.00

On 2nd December 2022 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Florin Iordan age unknown of Queen Street, Yaxley, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at Kings Dyke, Whittlesey, on 27/04/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and no separate penalty was imposed.

On 2nd December 2022 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Ionel Paun aged 72 of Atkinson Street, Peterborough, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at Pondersbridge – Bevills Leam, Whittlesey on 28/05/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £302.00

On 2nd December 2022 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Ionut-Alin Gheorghe aged 44 of Eastrea Road, Whittlesey, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at Kings Dyke, Whittlesey on 19/03/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £252.00

On 2nd December 2022 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Jon Duce aged 46 of Ethelburga Drive, Lyminge, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Martham Pits, Martham, on 27/07/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £302.00 with a conditional discharge of 6 months.

On 2nd December 2022 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Marian Adrean Stoica aged 27 of The Green Road, Sawston, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Bottisham Lock – River Cam, Waterbeach, on 18/05/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £475.00

On 2nd December 2022 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Marian Adrean Stoica aged 27 of The Green Road, Sawston, was prosecuted for the offence of Giving False Details at Bottisham Lock – River Cam, Waterbeach, on 18/05/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £475.00

On 2nd December 2022 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Marian Adrean Stoica aged 27 of The Green Road, Sawston, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at Bottisham Lock – River Cam, Waterbeach, on 18/05/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and no separate penalty was imposed.

On 2nd December 2022 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Mason Ward aged 25 of Greenwich Road, Hailsham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Darenth Complex, Dartford, on 25/06/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 2nd December 2022 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Robert Richardson aged 20 of Buxton Road, North Walsham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Stanninghall Fishery, Crostwick, on 15/05/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £275.00

On 2nd December 2022 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Ryan Simmons aged 28 of Callington Road, Swindon was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Smiths Lake, Stanton Harcourt, on 02/07/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £191.00

On 2nd December 2022 at Swindon the offender Gabriel Paraschiv aged 22 of Lodge Road, Southampton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Testwood Lakes, Totton, on 27/03/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £389.00

On 2nd December 2022 at Swindon the offender Gary Chatfield aged 48 of St Johns Road, Hedge End, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at White Swan – River Itchen, Swaything, on 12/06/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £389.00

On 2nd December 2022 at Swindon the offender Gheorghe Ion aged 22 of Milton Road, Southampton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Testwood Lakes, Totton, on 27/03/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £389.00

On 2nd December 2022 at Swindon the offender Slawomir Mikolajczyk aged 44 of Burgess Road, Southampton, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at Mansbridge – River Itchen, Eastleigh on 09/06/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £389.00

On 25th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Adam Coombes aged 31 of Tennyson Avenue, Bridlington, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Fossehill Shooting Ground, Beverley, on 18/08/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £275.00

On 25th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Brian Johnson aged 61 of Hurdletree Bank, Holbeach, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Chollerford Weir, North Tyne, on 20/10/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £339.00

On 4th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Curtis Chapman aged 29 of Esther Grove, Wakefield, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Birkwood Farm Lake, Wakefield, on 05/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 25th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Danny Green aged 31 of Dunhill Road, Goole, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Moorfields, Goole, on 21/08/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 25th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Jacob Avery aged 28 of Stornaway Square, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of National Byelaw OFNB8 at Dacre Lakeside Caravan Park, Brandesburton, on 08/02/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £144.00

On 25th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Jacob Avery aged 28 of Stornaway Square, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Dacre Lakeside Caravan Park, Brandesburton, on 08/02/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and no separate penalty was imposed.

On 25th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Kyle Ghazvini aged 36 of Intake Crescent, Dodworth, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Bank End Fisheries, Westwoodside, on 03/08/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 25th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Lewis Smalley aged 29 of Pennine Way, Bransholme, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Pinebank Pond, Holmpton, on 06/08/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 25th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Maciej Bartczak aged 25 of Tickton Grove, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Beverley Canal, Beverley, on 07/09/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £297.00

On 25th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Marcus Patrick aged 29 of Alfriston Close, Bransholme, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Pinebank Pond, Holmpton, on 06/08/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 4th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Matthew Simpson aged 32 of Willow Park, Pontefract, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Stuub Hall, Hemsworth, on 28/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 4th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Paul Partridge aged 35 of Gardens, Bolton-Upon-Dearne, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Stuub Hall, Hemsworth, on 22/05/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 25th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Ryan Riley aged 37 of La Vielle Rue, Grouville, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Woodlands Lake, Thirsk, on 07/08/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 25th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Ryan Wood aged 33 of Neil Crescent, Quarrington Hill, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Aldin Grange, Durham, on 20/08/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 4th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Thomas Burns aged 26 of Johnson Street, Selby, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Boston Spa – River Wharfe, Wetherby, on 26/06/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £136.00

On 17th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Chris Jordan aged 50 of Curtis Way, Osbaston, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Friezeland Pools, Market Bosworth, on 29/09/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 17th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender David Blackwell aged 48 of Coleridge Close, Blacon, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Cudmore Fisheries, Whitmore, on 14/09/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 17th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Dean Edwards aged 54 of Signal Grove, Walsall, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Isaac Walton Pool, Bloxwich, on 31/08/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 17th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Joel Field aged 38 of Birstall Way, Birmingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Lincomb Lock, River Severn, Stourport, on 01/07/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £275.00

On 17th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Nicholas Smith aged 37 of Foster Street, Walsall, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Chorley Springs, Burntwood, on 10/09/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 17th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Ryan Jordan aged 32 of Angell Green, Nottingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Rycroft, Castle Donnington, on 13/08/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 17th January 2023 at Hull and Holderness the offender Samuel McGraw aged 28 of Rochester Road, Stoke-On-Trent, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Park Hall Pool, Weston Coyney, on 11/09/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 18th January 2023 at North Cheshire the offender Ciprian Caraghin aged 27 of Symonds Road, Fulwood, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Church Deeps Fishwick – River Ribble, on 24/09/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £345.00

On 18th January 2023 at North Cheshire the offender Jamie Barratt aged 47 of Beckets Wood, Chapel-en-le-frith, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Victory Quarries, Dove Holes, on 10/07/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £485.00

On 25th January 2023 at Norwich the offender Darren Davy aged 36 of Bacton Road, Norwich, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Bridge Public House Lakes, Lenwade, on 26/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £1,485.00

On 27th January 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Charlie West aged 22 of Bailey Road, North Walsham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Cobbleacre Lakes, Hevingham, on 29/08/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 27th January 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Conrad Deprose aged 31 of Alicia Avenue, Wickford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Northlands Park, Basildon, on 18/09/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 27th January 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Lee Bartholomew aged 52 of Red Lion Lane, Plumstead, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Frant Lakes, Frant, on 24/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 27th January 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Matthew Corwell aged 38 of Limes Avenue, Chigwell, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Marsh Trail Lakes, Beccles, on 21/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 27th January 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Nick Powell aged 33 of Charles Street, Greenhithe, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Monk Lakes, Maidstone, on 25/09/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 27th January 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Oliver Page aged 33 of Little Field, Staplehurst, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Monk Lakes, Maidstone, on 30/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 27th January 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings the offender Sorin Stancu aged 34 of Marlborough Road, Watford, was prosecuted for the offence of Theft of Fish: TA002 at Canvey Lake, Canvey Island, on 17/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 3rd January 2023 at Swindon the offender Anthony Cooper aged 32 of Sparsholt Road, Southampton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at River Farm, Fareham, on 25/09/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £355.00

On 3rd January 2023 at Swindon the offender Anthony Cooper aged 32 of Sparsholt Road, Southampton, was prosecuted for the offence of National Bylaw OFB10 at River Farm, Fareham, on 25/09/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and no separate penalty was imposed

On 12th January 2023 at Swindon the offender Barry Shaw aged 42 of Byron Road, Southampton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Newlands Farm, Fareham, on 24/09/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 12th January 2023 at Swindon the offender Carl Wozencroft aged 35 of Burrows Close, Gloucester, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Stanchards Pit – River Avon, Tewkesbury, on 29/09/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 12th January 2023 at Swindon the offender Carl Wozencroft aged 35 of Burrows Close, Gloucester, was prosecuted for the offence of National Bylaw OFNB8 at Stanchards Pit – River Avon, Tewkesbury, on 29/09/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with no separate penalty imposed.

On 3rd January 2023 at Swindon the offender George Cooper aged 39 of Manor Road, Ringwood, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Hightown Lake, Ringwood, on 31/05/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £389.00

On 3rd January 2023 at Swindon the offender Matthew Mason aged 51 of Devonshire Square, Southsea, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Three Oaks, Denmead, on 10/09/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £500.00

On 3rd January 2023 at Swindon the offender Matthew Mason aged 51 of Devonshire Square, Southsea, was prosecuted for the offence of National Bylaw OFB10 at Three Oaks, Denmead, on 10/09/2022, received a verdict of Guilty with no separate penalty imposed

On 27th January 2023 at Swindon the offender Nadeem Albaydany aged 34 of Lowther Road, Bournemouth, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Coking Farm, Henstridge, on 02/07/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 27th January 2023 at Swindon the offender Ryan King aged 26 of Bateson Way, Woking, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at Woodmill Pool, Southampton, on 28/04/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £389.00

On 3rd January 2023 at Swindon the offender Teejay France aged 23 of Maes-y-bedw, Bedlinog, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Coking Farm, Henstridge, on 02/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £443.00

On 20th January 2023 at West Hampshire Court (sitting at Southampton) the offender Alexandru Iacob aged 33 of Leyton Road, Southampton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Southampton Common Lake, Southampton, on 26/06/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined with the penalty of £751.00

On 20th January 2023 at West Hampshire Court (sitting at Southampton) the offender Alexandru Iacob aged 33 of Leyton Road, Southampton, was prosecuted for the offence of Theft of Fish: TA002 at Southampton Common Lake, Southampton, on 26/06/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and no separate penalty was imposed

On 13th February 2023 at Barkingside the offender Emil-Gabriel Irimia aged 34 of Alphea Close, London, was prosecuted for the offence of National Bylaw: OFB10 at Ravensbury Park, River Wandle on 24/09/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £321.00

On 20th February 2023 at Barrrow-in-furness the offender Joel Noon aged 32 of Staveley, Kendal was prosecuted for the offence of Regional Bylaw: OFRB18(1) at Windermere, Trout Beck Area on 27/11/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £345.00

On 13th February 2023 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court the offender Jagdev Rana aged 26 of Bradfield Way, Dudley, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Wilden Fishery on 08/10/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £289.00

On 13th February 2023 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court the offender Matthew Hutton aged 26 of Hardings Wood, Kidsgrove, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Rudyard Lake on 22/10/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £201.00

On 13th February 2023 at Northampton Magistrates’ Court the offender Paul Hunt aged 37 of Winchester Drive, Birmingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Barston Lakes, Berkswell on 14/09/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £141.00

On 15th February 2023 at North Cheshire, the offender Caine Hill aged 27 of Mersey Street, Longridge, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Little Town Farm on 26/09/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443.00

On 15th February 2023 at North Cheshire, the offender Edward Aspinall aged 37 of Castleton Road, Preston, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Shaws Arms – River Ribble, on 29/07/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443.00

On 15th February 2023 at North Cheshire, the offender Vlad Marian aged 41 of Fletcher Road, Preston, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Preston – River Ribble, on 18/09/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £205.00

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

• 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: Used an illegal lure or bait
• OFRB18(1): Use of fish as bait in Lake District
• 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