- Angler gave false name and address to fisheries enforcement officers
- Illegal angling undermines efforts to protect fish stocks and make fishing sustainable
- Case heard at Northampton Magistrates Court on 15 January 2024
At Northampton magistrates on 15 January 2024, Chris Bantock, 44, of Naunton Road, was ordered to pay a total of £751 for failing to give his details and not having a valid fishing licence.
The court heard that Bantock was approached by fisheries enforcement officers from the Environment Agency at Matson Lake on July 1 2023.
His case was proved in his absence after he did not register a plea. He was fined £220 for each charge and ordered to pay £135 in costs and £176 victim's surcharge.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:
"We hope this case will act as a deterrent to anyone who is thinking of breaking the laws and byelaws for angling in England.
"Our officers are doing an important job to ensure people are fishing legally and taking action against those that aren't.
"The safety of our staff is paramount and they shouldn't have to put up with any kind of obstructive or abusive behaviour.
"The case shows how seriously the courts take these offences and this angler has been rightly punished for the illegal fishing.
"Fishing illegally can incur a fine of up to £2,500 and offenders can also have their fishing equipment seized.
"We inspect rod licences 24/7, seven days a week to check on cases of illegal fishing.
"Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities can contact the Environment Agency incident hotline 24/7 on 0800 807060 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
