On 29 April 2009 at South Worcestershire Magistrates Court, Worcester, fishing without a valid rod licence cost four cheating anglers a total of more than five hundred pounds.
On 29 April 2009 at South Worcestershire Magistrates Court, Worcester, fishing without a valid rod licence cost four cheating anglers a total of more than five hundred pounds.
Stuart Matthew Evans, age 40 years of Riddings Crescent, Pelsall, near Walsall, pleaded guilty by post to a charge of fishing without a valid rod licence contrary to Section 27(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. The offence was committed at Cobhouse Pools, Worcester, on 29 November 2008. He was fined 50 GBP and ordered to pay 75 GBP and a victim surcharge of 15 GBP.
Nicholas Atherley, age 56 years of Hanbury Road, Droitwich Spa, pleaded guilty by post to a charge of fishing without a valid rod licence, contrary to Section 27(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. The offence was committed at Bransford Game Fishery, Worcester on 16 January 2009. He was fined 50 GBP and ordered to pay 75 GBP in costs and a victim surcharge of 15 GBP.
Henry Andrew Lane, age 30 years, of Gallahad Way, Stourport, Worcestershire, pleaded guilty by post to a charge of fishing without a valid rod licence, contrary to Section 27(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. The offence was committed at Leigh Sinton Farm Fishery, Malvern, on 25 September 2008. He was fined 50 GBP and ordered to pay 75 GBP in costs and a victim surcharge of 15 GBP.
Mark Fearnall, age 43 years of Barbourne Road, Worcester, attended court and pleaded guilty to a charge of fishing without a valid rod licence, contrary to Section 27(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. The offence was committed at Top Barn Pools, Worcester, on 7 September 2008. He was fined 75 GBP and ordered to pay 75 GBP in costs and a victim surcharge of 15 GBP.
Any angler aged 12 years or more who fishes any water in England, Wales and the border Esk is required by law to hold a rod licence before they commence fishing. A day’s fishing without an Environment Agency rod licence could prove very expensive indeed.
Speaking after the case, Midlands Strategic Specialist, Martin Cooper, said: “Anglers who fish without a valid rod licence need to be aware that our Water Bailiffs are out and about checking rod licenses. As today’s result demonstrates, sooner or later they are going to get caught and we won’t hesitate to prosecute.
“Not only does a prosecution prove costly, it also marks an angler out as someone who cheats his fellow anglers. When you buy a rod licence, the money is used to help fund our work managing fisheries and improving the sport for everyone, work such as re-stocking rivers after pollution incidents. So if you don’t buy a rod licence, you reduce the pleasure of the sport for everyone else.
“The message from this court case is loud and clear – if you haven’t got a valid rod licence, get one today.”
