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 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. 

You can stay updated with our work by following the dedicated fisheries enforcement facebook page 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.

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 welcome volunteers from all communities. The Angling Trust is also a member of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.

Voluntary Bailiff out on patrol with Regional Enforcement Support Manager Dave Wilkins (left) and an EA Fisheries Enforcement Officer (right).

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 retired police officers,  the Environment Agency; Police Officers , and the Fish Health Inspectorate.

Volunteers receive an 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.

In the year 23/24 The VBS conducted 288 Joint Patrols with the EA and Police and reported over 1000 Incidents

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.

May – July 2024

Total fines for May – July: £37,996

Average fine: £388

On 13th May 2024 at Barkingside, the offender Lesley Fright aged 63 of Cedar Close, Broadstairs, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Manor Fishery on 07/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £296

On 9th May 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Calvin Keighley aged 55 of Epsom Close, Stevenage, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Newlands Hall Fishery on 07/01/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 9th May 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Carl Rookard aged 31 of Bury Street, Stowmarket, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Suffolk Water Park on 30/12/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 9th May 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Edward Moore aged 37 of Castle Road, Colchester, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at St Ives Pits on 06/02/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £121

On 9th May 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Jordan Wyatt aged 33 of Hampshire Close, Chatham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing  at Berners Hall Fishery on 09/12/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 9th May 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Ovidiu Ignatoaie aged 42 of Dairyglen Avenue, Cheshunt, was prosecuted for the offence of National Byelaw: OFB08 at Hanningfield Reservoir on 02/03/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 9th May 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Paul Wake aged 54 of Park Drive, Worlingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at St Ives Pits on 06/02/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 7th May 2024 at Swindon, the offender Jakub Jaslikowski aged 23 of Blackberry Road, Frome, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Farleigh Wood Pool on 19/11/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £349

On 7th May 2024 at Swindon, the offender Kevin Tadd aged 46 of West Street, Bridgwater, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Ash Ponds on 01/10/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 17th June 2024 at Barkingside, the offender Petru Gurzu aged 53 of Broad Lane, London, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season fishing at River Lea on 24/03/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £478

On 17th June 2024 at Barkingside, the offender Steven Raymond aged 30 of Rennie Estate, London, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Burgess Park Lake on 30/01/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 10th June 2024 at Derby (St Mary’s), the offender Kevin Brownfield aged 35 of Bartholomew Road, Stoke-on-Trent, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing, Close Season Fishing and Theft of Fish: TA002, at Bakewell – River Wye on 23/10/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £751

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Adam Hill aged 35 of Paxdale, Hull, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing and Close Season Fishing at Ennerdale Bridge on 22/03/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £751

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Ben Aitcheson aged 32 of Sprignfield Road, Elland, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Lady Wood Fishery on 21/12/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Bradley Cashman aged 31 of Chapel Lane, Barwick in Elmet, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Fairburn Ings on 12/11/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Brandon Hepworth aged 25 of Grayrigg Close, Leeds, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Oakland Waters on 08/03/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £367

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Carl Collins aged 42 of Emperor Way, Camperdown, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Killingworth lake on 01/09/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Ciaran Clayborough aged 21 of Barnsley Road, Wombwell, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Sprotborough – River Don on 04/02/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Daniel Dagnall aged 33 of Taylor Avenue, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Bakers pond on 19/12/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender David Lunn aged 31 of Watling Road, Castleford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Stubbs Hall on 08/03/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £290

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Dean Pountley aged 34 of Brunshaw Avenue, Burnley, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Lady Wood Fishery on 24/03/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Gareth Yarker aged 32 of High Street, Redcar, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Woodlands Lake on 24/11/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Geoff Harkins aged 46 of Manor Place, Stockton-on-Tees, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing  at Stockton – River Tees on 16/03/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Harold Morley aged 49 of Carlton Avenue, Sowerby, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Woodlands Lake on 20/11/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £360

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender James Daggett aged 22 of Balby Road, Doncaster, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Stainforth and Keadby Canal, Bramwith on 09/11/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender James Rose aged 36 of Northfield Road, Doncaster, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Bank End Fisheries, Blaxton on 22/10/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Jonathan Clayborough aged 40 of Barnsley Road, Wombwell, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Sprotborough – River Don on 04/02/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender John Halton aged 58 of Scalby Road, Scalby, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Wykeham Lakes on 15/01/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £436

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Jordan Beattie aged 25 of Cambourne Close, Hemlington, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Hemlington Lake on 31/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Jordan Clarkson aged 26 of Spruce Court, Wakefield, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Horbury Lagoons on 21/12/2023 and 23/01/24, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £751

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Joseph Morgan aged 24 of Greenall Court, Prescot, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Lady Wood Fishery on 11/10/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Kian Johnson aged 20 of Briarmains Road, Birstall, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing and National Byelaw: OFB10 at Horbury Lagoons on 03/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £409

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Kieron White aged 26 of Hardane, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Driffield Canal Head on 28/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £321

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Liam Ambrose aged 36 of Commonside, Sheffield, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Sprotborough – River Don on 29/02/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Miroslav Cigan aged 24 of Crimpsall Road, Doncaster, was prosecuted for the offence of Preparing to Fish with No Licence at Bank End Fisheries, Blaxton on 22/10/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Nathan Turner aged 21 of Croftway, Selby, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Selby Canal on 02/02/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Rene benak aged 21 of Ramsden Road, Doncaster, was prosecuted for the offence of Preparing to Fish with No Licence at Bank End Fisheries on 22/10/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Ryan Atkinson aged 24 of Stakesby Close, Guisborough, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Hemlington Lake on 31/01/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Scott Lane aged 24 of Hopewell Road, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Pastures pond, Halsham on 23/03/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £263

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Shaun Hannan aged 51 of Corder Road, Middlesborough, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at Stockton – River Tees on 16/03/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £136

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Terry Todd aged 37 of Wimborn Avenue, Grimsby, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Lady Wood Fishery on 05/03/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 10th June 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Tyler Weston aged 21 of Grasmere Avenue, Doncaster, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Sandall Park on 01/02/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £263

On 3rd June 2024 at Lincolnshire Magistrates Court sitting at Boston, the offender Skimantas Jodka aged 37 of Carlton Road, Boston, was prosecuted for the offence of National Byelaw: WRA034 at Pode Hole on //2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £235

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Aaron Kimberley aged 30 of Treynham Close, Wolverhampton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Monument on 10/02/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £205

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Adam Cornwall McGowan aged 33 of Hunter Road, Cannock, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Bishton Pools on 28/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £367

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Craig Lee aged 41 of The Chase, Fishtoft, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Maud Foster Drain on 25/02/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Daniel Compton aged 34 of East End, Thorne Road, Stainforth, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at River Torne on 01/03/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £493

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Dean Freeman aged 41 of Wantage, Telford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Marchamley Pool on 31/01/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Edward Young aged 40 of High Nook Road, Dinnington, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Stoke Bardolph – River Trent on 09/03/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £317

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender George Cristian Dragut aged 35 of Weighbridge Way, Raunds, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Wellingborough Embankment on 17/11/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Ionel Dumitru aged 37 of Cowbit Road, Spalding, was prosecuted for the offence of Preparing to Fish with No Licence at Spalding – River Welland on 14/01/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Ion Negoita aged 60 of Westlode Street, Spalding, was prosecuted for the offence of National Byelaw: OFNB5 at Spalding – River Welland on 24/12/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £202

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Ivan Ivanov aged 52 of Friary Road, Newark, was prosecuted for the offence of National Byelaw: OFB08 at Nether Loack – River Trent on 03/06/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £275

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Jack Musgrave aged 29 of Manor Drive, Great Boughton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Baden Hall Fishery on 27/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £415

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Jack Shephard aged 27 of Albany Court, Stapleford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Sawley – River Trent on 28/11/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Joshue Adam Salt aged 22 of Coleridge Road, Stoke-on-Trent, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Baden Hall Fishery on 27/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £457

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Martin Fairbrother aged 45 of North Hill Road, Sheffield, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at A1 Fishery (South Muskham) on 29/03/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Mitchell Baines aged 27 of Basildon Close, Alvaston, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Butterley Reservoir on 18/11/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £339

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Ramunas Semetas aged 45 of Brothertoft Court, Boston, was prosecuted for the offence of National Byelaw: OFB08 at Pode Hole on 11/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £265

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Reece Hogg aged 21 of Lower Birches Way, Rugeley, was prosecuted for the offence of National Byelaw: OFB10 at Baden Hall Fishery on 27/01/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Reece Webb aged 23 of Deansfield Road, Wolverhampton, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing and National Byelaw: OFB10 at Monument on 10/02/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 3rd June 2024 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 Guilty and was fined £219

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Robert Ghitulescu aged 42 of Lime Grove, Newark, was prosecuted for the offence of National Byelaw: OFB10 at Nether Lock – River Trent on 12/11/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Robert Grant aged 47 of Davids Lane, Benington, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing and National Byelaw: OFB08 at West Fen Drain, Frithville – Cowbridge – River Witham on 25/02/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £403

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Romaldas Judys aged 49 of York Street, Boston, was prosecuted for the offence of National Byelaw: OFB08 at Pode Hole on 07/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £251

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Ryan Richardson aged 26 of Bridgeway East, Pentre Maelor, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Baden Hall Fishery on 27/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £360

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Sorin Sulea aged 49 of Hazel Grove, Balderton, was prosecuted for the offences of National Byelaw: OFB10 and National Byelaw: OFB08 at Newark – River Trent on 12/11/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £296

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Terry Hebden aged 34 of Albany Road, Hornchurch, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Baden Hall Fishery on 27/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £349

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Tommy Jay Rose aged 26 of Kittiwake Close, Bournemouth, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Rockford Lake on 02/03/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £403

On 3rd June 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Wayne Martin aged 43 of Coppice Close, Madeley, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Baden Hall Fishery on 27/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £356

On 5th June 2024 at NorthCheshire, the offender Anthony John Barker aged 26 of Castlehey, Skelmersdale, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Lathom Fisheries on 02/03/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £792

On 5th June 2024 at North Cheshire, the offender Nathan Knox aged 23 of Chesterfield Drive, Liverpool, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing and National Byelaw: OFNB8 at Leisure Lakes, Mere Brow on 02/03/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £1,059

On 6th June 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Alexandra Ionela Tinite aged 26 of Stonegrove, Edgware, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at River Gade on 16/03/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 6th June 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Alex Marchant aged 24 of Chalky Road, Portslade, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Swanborough Fishery, Kingston on 11/03/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £290

On 6th June 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Andrei-Ioan Ratoiu aged 33 of Beresford Gardens, Hounslow, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Hanningfield Rservoir on 02/03/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 6th June 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Cosmin Craciun aged 27 of Radley Gardens, Harrow, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Bewl Reservoir on 12/12/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £223

On 6th June 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Florin Petru Milos aged 28 of Stonegrove, Edgware, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at River Gade on 16/03/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 6th June 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Hayden Green aged 30 of Roman Road, Lowestoft, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Broome Pits on 10/02/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 6th June 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Jack Wilmore aged 24 of Knights Road, Hoo, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Elphicks Farm Lakes on 16/02/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £345

On 6th June 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender James Gray aged 38 of Otham Street, Bearsted, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Mousehole Fishery on 08/03/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 6th June 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Justin Dodson aged 45 of Highbank Drive, Liverpool, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Oxlease Lake on 11/11/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 6th June 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Liam Twomey aged 23 of Greenwood Drive, Watford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Albans Lakes (formerly known as Willows lakes) on 01/04/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £245

On 6th June 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Luke Hannah aged 29 of Sandy Lane, Orrell, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Oxlease Lakes on 11/11/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £345

On 6th June 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Mitchell Carter aged 26 of Cumming Road, Downham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Crowsheath Fishery on 17/02/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £121

On 6th June 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Robert Wilson aged 64 of St Helens Road, Hastings, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing and Close Season Fishing at Middle Bridge, Wallers Haven on 21/03/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £147

On 31st July 2024 at Beverley Court, the offender Tomasz Okonski aged 43 of Boundary Way, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Three Lakes on 28/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty was given a Conditional Discharge of 3 months of £236

On 24th July 2024 at Donvcaster Court, the offender Constantin Ciofoaia aged 37 of Park Road, Barnsley, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at New Junction Canal – Clay Lane West on 23/02/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 5th July 2024 at Newcastle Upon Tyne, the offender Paul Thompson aged 49 of Town Cross, Threlkeld, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing, Giving False Details and General Obstruction at Alston – River South Tyne on 26/10/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £1,632

On 22nd July 2024 at North Cheshire, the offender Joshua Yates aged 30 of Alison Garth, Hedon, was prosecuted for the offence of Regional Byelaw: OFRB18(2A) at Ullswater Lake – Glencoyne Wood on 24/03/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £415

On 22nd July 2024 at North Cheshire, the offender Paul Dudding aged 63 of Lund Avenue, Durham, was prosecuted for the offences of Regional Byelaw: OFRB18(2A) and Regional Byelaw: OFRB20 at Lake Windermere on 24/03/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 22nd July 2024 at North Cheshire, the offender Steven Thomas aged 33 of Turriff Road, Liverpool, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Cat Rough on 15/03/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £275

On 4th July 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Brett Buttler aged 34 of Mere Road, Scoulton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Hall Walk Lakes on 10/04/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 4th July 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender George Eggleston aged 26 of Buckingham Road, St. Leonards-on Sea, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Orchard Place Farm on 06/04/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £289

On 4th July 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender James Anscombe aged 49 of Brackenhill Close, Bromley, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Elphicks Farm Lakes on 15/03/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £289

On 4th July 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Jamie Dyke aged 37 of Mundesley Road, North Walsham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Billingford lakes on 14/04/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 4th July 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Joshua Collins aged 22 of Ramsden Square, Cambridge, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Float Fish Farm on 28/03/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 4th July 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Matt Barr aged 23 of Gibbons Road, Sittingbourne, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Orchard Place Farm on 06/04/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 4th July 2024 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Neal Green aged 36 of Church Lane, Corton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing at Broome Pits on 03/04/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

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
• OFNB2 (2): Fishing for Trout in the Close Season
• OFNB3 (3): Removed eels or shad by rod and line from any waters
• 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
• 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
• OFRB18 (2A): Use of an illegal hook bait in the Lake District
• OFRB20: Using a keep net to retain fish during the statutory close season for coarse fish.
• 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