Derby man, Daniel Johal, aged 20, of Hopwell Road, Derby, was fined a massive £437.50 and ordered to pay costs of £75 and a £15 victim surcharge at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court yesterday (11th September, 2008) for fishing without a licence.
The offence was committed at Riverside Estate, Borrowash, Derby on 10 May 2008.
Speaking after the case, Environment Agency Environmental Crime Team Leader, Peter Rutherford, said: “Anyone fishing inland waters in England and Wales has an obligation to buy a licence. Money raised from licence sales is put straight back into improving the environment for wildlife and anglers. We are delighted the court has imposed this exceptionally high fine. Illegal anglers should realise that our officers are on the riverbank. If anyone is convicted after flouting the law, this fine demonstrates that they will be punished.”
Buying a licence couldn’t be easier – there are around 15,000 Post Offices and other outlets which sell them direct, and for a small additional charge they can be purchased over the phone on 0870 1662662 or from our web site – www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish.
