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.

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:

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.

January – March 2024

Total fines for January – March: £54,343

Average fine: £380

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

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Aaron McEvoy aged 32 of Greenway, Chapel Park, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Fontburn Rservoir on 30/04/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Adam Preece aged 21 of Coniston Gardens, Leeds, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Birkwood Fisheries, Normanton on 01/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Ali Osman aged 44 of Evergreen Drive, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at  Oak Road Playing Field Pond on 27/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Andrew Wain aged 34 of Spring Holes Lane, Thornton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Oakland Waters on 17/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Anthony Murray aged 39 of Belle Vue Street, Filey, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Rosedale Fishery on 20/07/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Audrius Paulauskas aged 37 of Alpha Road, Rotherham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Sprotborough – River Don on 30/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Ben Anthony aged 21 of Stonecrop Close, Stockton-on-tees, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing, and National Bylaw: OFB10 at Woodlands lake on 07/07/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £233

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Ben Gibson aged 30 of Eskdale Place, Newton Aycliffe, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Emmotland Ponds on 27/08/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Brandon Hepworth aged 24 of Grayrigg Close, Leeds, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Oakland Waters on 25/08/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £367

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Brandon Jones aged 25 of Caddon Avenue, South Elmsall, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Three Lakes on 29/08/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £359

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Christopher Whitelam aged 44 of Moorland Road, Goole, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Bank End Fisheries on 22/10/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £331

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Daniel Snell aged 30 of Moorland Road, Goole, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Aire and Calder Canal on 19/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Daniel Watson Gawthorpe aged 33 of Cyprus Street, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Bakers Pond on 25/09/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender David Hallas aged 42 of Hawthorn Road, Spennymoor, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Woodlands Lake on 24/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £331

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Duaine Welham aged 40 of Tanfield Grove, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Bakers Pond on 08/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Emil Gazi aged 30 of Hardwicke Road, Rotherham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Aston Park Fisheries on 09/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Felician Dumitru aged 27 of Dockin Hill Road, Doncaster, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at River Don on 24/09/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Glyn Dawson aged 61 of Wighill Lane, Tadcaster, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Rising Sun Fisheries on 16/08/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £297

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Graham Wilkinson aged 43 of Tennyson Street, Pudsey, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Lady Wood Fishery on 14/07/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £345

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Ian Ibbitson aged 52 of Brooklands Lane, Leeds, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at The Oaks Fishery on 07/07/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £251

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Ian Smith aged 47 of Churchill Avenue, Doncaster, was prosecuted for the offence of Preparing to Fish with No Licence, at River Don on 30/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Jay Hodgson aged 24 of Ryecroft Drive, Swansea, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Lambwath Lakes on 08/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender John Heaton aged 51 of Dalwood Close, Bransholme, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Westlands Ponds on 04/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender John Turner aged 44 of Summerfield Grove, Leeds, was prosecuted for the offence of National Bylaw: OFB10, at Fossehill Shooting Ground on 11/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £357

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender John Wyllie aged 39 of Intake Square, Leeds, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Three Lakes on 28/09/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Jordan Campbell aged 26 of Grange Road, Thornaby, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Woodlands lake on 16/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Joseph Hall aged 27 of Farfield Road, Huddersfield, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Three Lakes on 29/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Joshua Bastin aged 28 of Cleeton Way, Bridlington, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Fossehill Shooting Ground on 28/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the same offender Joshua Bastin aged 28 of Cleeton Way, Bridlington, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Three Lakes on 01/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Kieran Folan aged 29 of Mill Moor Road, Meltham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Three Lakes on 18/10/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £151

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Kieran Kelly aged 23 of Coniston Gardens, Leeds, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Birkwood Fisheries on 01/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Leon Gray aged 38 of Aylesbury Grove, Hull, was prosecuted for the offences of Preparing to Fish with No Licence and Giving False Details, at Risby Park Lake on 16/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £555

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Liam Cooperwaite aged 36 of King Henry Court, Sunderland, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Woodlands Lake on 22/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Linda Jaksta aged 39 of Crawford Street, Rochdale, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Birkwood Fisheries on 17/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Luke Cartridge aged 31 of Pine Grove, Hartlepool, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Oakland Waters on 24/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £219

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Matthew Lake aged 21 of Northgate, Hartlepool, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Woodlands Lake on 07/07/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Matthew Wainman aged 36 of Hedon Road, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Pinebank Pond on 19/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Nash Connolly aged 31 of Longworth Road, Hemsworth, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Rustick Arms Pond on 25/10/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £367

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Nathan Clayton aged 30 of Pasture Road, Goole, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Aire and Calder Canal on 19/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Nicky Wainman aged 34 of Rolston Close, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Pinebank Pond on 19/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Nyle Fuller aged 28 of Hartley Street, Morley, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Horbury Lagoons on 26/10/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Paul Hague aged 42 of Heath Road, Spennymoor, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Woodlands Lake on 24/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Paul Kelly aged 46 of Coniston Gardens, Leeds, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Birkwood Fisheries on 01/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Pawel Kosmala aged 37 of Danthorpe Grove, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Willows Pond on 20/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Peter Tokar aged 60 of Grosvenor Road, Rotherham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Aston Park Fisheries on 09/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Racz Romeo aged 48 of Morpeth Street, Kingston Upon Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Risby Park Lake on 27/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Razvan Alex Cardos aged 26 of Morpeth Street, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Risby Park Lake on 27/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Reece Kapadi aged 21 of Westbury Street, Thornaby, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing, Close Season Fishing and Regional Bylaw OFRB5, at Bowesfield – River Tees on 27/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £625

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Richard Haigh aged 46 of Farway, Bradford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Lady Wood Fishery on 14/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Simon Tasker aged 40 of Byron Grove, Grimsby, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Three Lakes on 25/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Steve Brown aged 46 of Beeston Road, Leeds, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Three Lakes on 28/09/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £223

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Steven Mearns aged 44 of Yatesbury Garth, Bransholme, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Noddle Hill Pond on 27/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Varga Valentin aged 24 of Morpeth Street, Kingston Upon Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Risby Park lake on 27/07/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Wayne Murray aged 43 of Victor Street, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Oak Road Playing Field Pond on 23/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 26th February 2024 at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court, the offender Wojciech Kirsch aged 41 of Hessle Road, Kingston Upon Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Beverley Canal on 01/09/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 12th February 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender David Spragg aged 58 of Freer Meadow, Shrewsbury, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Stirchley Pools on 21/09/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £428

On 12th February 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Dumitru Bosinceanu aged 29 of Burford, Telford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Baden Hall Fishery on 23/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £297

On 12th February 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Graham Todd aged 64 of The Mount, Dunton Bassett, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Peatling Parva Pools on 25/10/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £573

On 12th February 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Romeo Vasile aged 37 of Wignals gate, Holbeach, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Spalding – River Welland on 02/10/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £428

On 12th February 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Stefan Morse aged 30 of Oxford Road, Stoke-on-trent, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Chatterley Whitfield, Chell Heath on 22/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 12th February 2024 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Vasile Bogdan aged 54 of Barrows Road, Birmingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Merside Fishery on 16/07/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £339

On 15th February 2024 at Warrington Magistrates Court, the offender Allen Wood aged 52 of Clarence Avenue, Knott End-on-sea, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Akali Waters on 13/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 15th February 2024 at Warrington Magistrates Court, the offender Winston Donnelly aged 22 of Bangor Avenue, Bispham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Glass lake Fisheries on 12/08/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £333

On 13th February 2024 at Wellingborough Magistrates Court, the offender Mohamad Al Jalam aged 22 of Byfield Close, Nottingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Holme Pierrepoint – River Trent on 09/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £205

On 13th February 2024 at Wellingborough Magistrates Court, the offender Yacine Abdi aged 21 of Windmill Close, Windmill Lane, Nottingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Holme Pierrepoint – River Trent on 09/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £177

On 25th March 2024 at Barkingside, the offender Aaron Critchard aged 26 of St Johns Crescent, Broadbridge Heath, was prosecuted for the offence of Preparing to fish with No Licence, at Thorney Weir Lakes on 14/10/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £433

On 25th March 2024 at Barkingside, the offender Lee Menditta aged 47 of Cobourg Road, London, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing, and Giving False Details at Burgess Park Lake on 27/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £345

On 11th March 2024 at Northampton, the offender Alfred Bradford aged 44 of Foster Street, Walsall, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing and National Bylaw: OFB10 at Norton Mere on 15/08/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £247

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Ainsley Garner aged 30 of Town Terrace, Huddersfield, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Lady Wood Fishery on 29/11/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Allan Dawson aged 42 of Hollyhedge Road, Manchester, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Lady Wood Fishery on 14/11/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Benjamin Binns aged 32 of Chilver Drive, Bradford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Lady Wood Fishery on 04/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £251

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Bradley Richards aged 25 of Rathmell Road, Leeds, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Newhay Lakes on 25/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Carl Barlow aged 56 of Coal Pit Lane, Tockholes, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Fourstones – River Tyne South on 13/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £275

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Carl Bingham aged 41 of Malton Road, Intake, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Willowgarth Pond on 16/11/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £601

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Christopher Pollard aged 36 of Halifax Road, Bradford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Lady Wood Fishery on 04/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £339

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Craig Johnson aged 32 of Burstwick Grove, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Halsham Ponds, Halsham on 27/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Curtis Meehan aged 25 of Basil Avenue, Armthorpe, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Sandall Park on 17/11/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Danny Shipley aged 35 of The Avenue, Bentley, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Sprotborough – River Don on 07/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender David Rymer aged 57 of Leeds Road, Lofthouse, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Lady Wood Fishery on 12/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £321

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender David Webster aged 62 of College Road, Bradley, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Warden – River North Tyne on 25/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £251

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Gregory Palmer aged 61 of Hough Lane, Leeds, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Leeds Liverpool Canal, Armley on 07/01/2024, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Iain Edward Lewis aged 48 of Ruskin Road, Prestwich, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed fishing and National Bylaw: OFNB2(2), at Bellingham – River North Tyne on 28/10/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £355

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Jamie McCluskey aged 35 of Canterbury Road, Bradford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Lady Wood Fishery on 12/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender John Wheater aged 27 of Kesteven Road, Bradford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Lady Wood Fishery on 12/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £219

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Joseph Rutherford aged 27 of Cotton Drive, Ormskirk, was prosecuted for the offence of Preparing to fish with No Licence, at Lady Wood Fishery on 11/10/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Leon Bushby aged 20 of Lime Tree Grove, Thorne, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Stainforth & Keadby Canal on 23/11/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Liam Firth aged 20 of High Street, Kippax, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Kippax Park on 01/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £367

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Matthew Cockayne aged 34 of Spark Lane, Mapplewell, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Lady Wood Fishery on 29/11/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £251

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Nicholas Nocton aged 53 of Bromfelde Road, London, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Warden, River North Tyne on 29/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £1,535

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Sean Kirby aged 29 of Northwood Crescent, Bradford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Yeadon Tarn on 12/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £384

On 27th March 2024 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Vinnie Metcalfe aged 30 of Thomas Drive, Killinghall, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Aire and Calder Canal – Pollington on 23/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £367

On 27th March 2024 at North Cheshire, the offender Jakob Shaw aged 34 of Preston Road, Chorley, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Mill Pond – Also known as Heapy No. 6 White Coppice on 03/11/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £402

On 13th March 2024 at North Cheshire, the offender Jason Black aged 51 of William Avenue, Biddulph, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Home Farm Fisheries on 15/08/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 27th March 2024 at North Cheshire, the offender Stuart Duignan aged 40 of Cawood Square, Stockport, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Reddish Vale Country Park on 13/01/2024, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 28th March 2024 at Swindon, the offender Aidan Powell aged 22 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 £189

On 19th March 2024 at Swindon, the offender Darren Broadhurst aged 46 of Carey Road, Southampton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at White Swan – River Itchen on 08/10/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 28th March 2024 at Swindon, the offender Magdalena Maslak aged 48 of Cedar Road, Nuneaton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Pavyotts Mill Lakes on 01/10/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £255

On 28th March 2024 at Swindon, the offender Mark Varney aged 51 of Grant Road, Exhall, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed fishing, at Pavyotts Mill Lakes on 01/10/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £360

On 5th March 2024 at Swindon, the offender Owen Stockting aged 26 of Matheson Road, Southampton, was prosecuted for the offence of Preparing to fish with No Licence at Testwood Lakes on 16/09/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £201

On 6th March 2024 at Worcester, the offender Andrzej Sadowskia aged 66 of Alphonso Street, Dowlais, was prosecuted for the offence of National Bylaw: OFNB5 at Upton – River Severn on 05/07/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £181

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
• 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