Illegal Norfolk Fishing Nets Anglers £3K Fines

Six cases were heard at Hastings Magistrates Court on 12 January and two on 16 February 2024

Gary Auger, 52, of Parr Road, Haverhill was caught fishing without a licence on 10 June 2023 at Taswood Lakes, Flordon, Norfolk.

Stuart Lawn, 36, of Bluebell Road, North Walsham was caught fishing without a licence on 30 July 2023 at Roughton Fishery, Roughton, Norfolk.

Aurimas Tazius,38, of Kipling Avenue, Tilbury removed bream contrary to the byelaw on 22 August 2023 at Postwick Reach on the River Yare, Norfolk.

David Denison, 46, of The Walks, Loddon was caught fishing without a licence on 31 August 2023 at Postwick Reach on the River Yare, Norfolk.

Lewis Buxton, 21, and Adrian Crowe, 41, both of Beccles Road, Gorleston were caught fishing without a licence on 17 September 2023 at Aldeby Hall Lakes, Aldeby, Norfolk.

Matthew Grant, 55, of Bramble Break, Eccles-on-Sea was caught fishing without a licence on 24 September 2023 at Cobbleacre Lakes, Hevingham, Norfolk.

Damien Howard, 42, of Smeeth Road, Marshland St James was caught fishing without a licence on 29 October 2023 at Billingford Lakes, Swanton Morley, Norfolk.

All cases were heard at Hastings Magistrates Court. The fines imposed ranged from £191 to £443, including a victim surcharge ranging from £16 to £88. All eight were ordered to pay £135 in costs each and the total imposed was £3,094.

Lesley Robertson, Enforcement Team Leader at the Environment Agency said, "These cases show we take illegal fishing seriously and won't hesitate to pursue offenders through the courts where anglers break the rules. Anyone found fishing illegally may face prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500.

"All anglers need a valid Environment Agency fishing licence. The current price of an adult 12-month trout and coarse 3-rod fishing licence is £53.70 and not having one proved very costly for these eight men."

"Our Fisheries Enforcement Officers carry out intelligence-led enforcement work all year round. We urge anyone with information about illegal fishing to contact us on 0800 807060 or via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111."

Licences now run 365 days from the day of purchase offering 12 full months of fishing. Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence. A 1-day licence costs from just £7.10 and an annual licence costs from just £35.80. Concessions are available. Junior licences are free for 13- to 16-year-olds.

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