David Porter of Heath Estate, Great Waldingfield, Sudbury, was fined £150 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £700 by Swaffham Magistrates Court on 20 February, after failing to turn up for a hearing.
Mr Porter was unable to produce a rod licence when challenged by an Environment Agency bailiff last June at Catch 22 Fishery in Norfolk. Mr Porter later informed the court that he wished to plead not guilty to the charge of fishing without a valid rod licence and also that he would be unable to attend the hearing. He was advised that the court could find him guilty in his absence if he did not attend.
Environmental Crime Officer Rupert Pyett said: ‘The onus in law is for the angler to prove that he is correctly licensed to fish. Mr Porter was unable to do this. The court was informed that there was no record of a current valid licence on the Environment Agency database.’
The amount of costs awarded in this case reflect the fact that two Agency staff were required attend court to give evidence.
Freshwater anglers are reminded to check that they have a valid licence, readily available for inspection when fishing. Full season licences are due for renewal on 1 April 2009. Short term licences valid for either 1 or 8 days are also available. 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/rodlicence
