Harlow Magistrates Court imposed fines and costs of almost £3,000 on 23 anglers who were caught fishing at numerous locations across Essex without being correctly licensed.
The anglers were caught by Environment Agency bailiffs on routine patrols last summer at venues that ranged from Gloucester Park, Basildon in the south, Newland Hall Fishery in the west, and Green Lane Farm, Weeley near Clacton in the east.
The individuals were fined as follows:
Barry Wakefield of Maldon £175
Mark Houghton of Lt Totham, Maldon £50
Nathan Rivers of Tollesbury, Maldon £127
Jermaine Freeman of Gt Notley, Braintree £117
Deme Freeman of Gt Notley, Braintree £117
Paul Butcher of Stisted, Braintree £33
Benjamin Coyle of Harlow £110
Daniel Newmarch of Harlow £33
Andrew Shevrin of Chingford £175
Jameson Ellis of Romford £200
Matthew Gray of Buckhurst Hill £53
David Mansworth of Broxted, Dunmow £175
Geoffrey Woodman of Basildon £127
Jason Winch of Basildon £175
Lewis Rook of Basildon £33
Nathan Sutcliffe of Colchester £175
Adam Morkham of Halstead £175
Daryl Bartlett of Rayleigh £175
David McCarthy of Canvey Island £175
Tommy Berrabe of Grays £175
Stephen Smith of Rochford £147
James Dayson of Clacton £117
Carl Bloomfield of Chelmsford £80
Total: £2,919
The defendants were also ordered to pay a further £75 each, amounting to £1,725, towards the prosecution costs.
Freshwater anglers are reminded to check that they have a valid licence before fishing. Licenses can be obtained from any Post Office, by direct debit by calling 08708 506 506, telesales by calling 0844 800 5386 or online from www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rod licence.
