Written By: Environment Agency
On Date: 15/2/2010
Three men who were caught by Environment Agency officers after fishing without a licence have been ordered to pay a combined total of over £650 in fines and £225 in costs
On Friday 6 November, Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard that the three separate incidents all took place on 2 August 2009 at Mouldon Hill Lake, Swindon, Wiltshire. The fishermen involved were unable to show valid rod licences to Environment Agency bailiffs present at the lake.
Jack Richmond, 20, of Purton Road, Moreden, Swindon, was fined £500 and ordered to pay £75 for fishing without a rod licence at Mouldon Hill Lake. Mr Richmond was found guilty in his absence from court.
Ryan Carey, 21, of Branksome Road, Moulden, Swindon, pleaded guilty to fishing without a rod licence on 2 August 2009 at Mouldon Hill Lake and was fined £100 and ordered to pay £75 costs.
Dzevaldas Karaulaitis, 34, of Ashridge Court, Fenton Avenue, Swindon, was fined £50 and ordered to pay £75 costs for fishing without a rod licence on 2 August 2009 at Mouldon Hill Lake. Mr Karaulaitis was fishing with two rods and lines, and pleaded guilty to the charge.
Andy Strevens, the Environment Agency’s regional fisheries specialist, said: “Those who try to outwit the system and avoid paying for a valid rod licence are cheating their fellow anglers. All the money raised from licence sales is put straight back into improving the environment for wildlife, anglers and the community in general.
“We are delighted the court has taken this action. Illegal anglers should realise that our officers are on the riverbank and out at commercial fisheries and if anyone is caught flouting the law they will be caught and punished.”
The Environment Agency's National Enforcement Service (NES) dedicated prosecution team takes action against anyone caught fishing without a licence.
Ends
Notes to Editors
Fishing without a rod licence is contrary to Section 27(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. The maximum fine is £2,500 and a ban from fishing.
A rod licence permits the use of up to two rods and lines when fishing for Coarse fish where Regional Byelaws and Rules permit. This is clearly stated on the licence. Two valid licences are required if fishing with a third or fourth rod.
Rod licence costs:
*Coarse and non-migratory tout
Full annual £26.00
Concessionary annual £17.25
Junior annual £5.00
8 day £9.50
1 day £3.50
Salmon and sea trout
Full annual £70.00
Concessionary annual £46.50
Junior annual £5.00
8 day £22.50
1 day £7.75
Concession licences apply if:
• Aged 16 or under (Junior)
• Aged 65 or over
• A Blue Badge parking concession, or are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance
There are four easy ways to buy or renew rod licence:
Direct Debit (08708 506 506)
Online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk
At any Post Office in England and Wales
Telephone Sales 0844 800 5386 (Lines open 8.30am-8pm, 7 days a week March to October). Calls charged at local rate.
Anglers in deep water after fishing without a licence