Seven men caught by Environment Agency officers fishing without a rod licence were ordered to pay a total of £1,060 today at Bicester Magistrates’ Court.
The court heard that the separate incidents all took place between 5 August 2006 and 12 August 2006 in Oxfordshire.
Environment Agency fisheries officer Nick Robinson said: “Those who try to cheat the system and avoid buying a rod licence are cheating their fellow anglers. All the money raised from licence sales is put straight back into improving the environment for wildlife and anglers.
“We are delighted the court has taken this action today. Illegal anglers should realise that our officers are on the riverbank and if anyone is caught flouting the law they will be caught and punished.”
The following cases were heard:
1. George Harrison, 21, of Attlee Road, Hayes, Middlesex, was fined £70 and ordered to pay £70 costs for fishing without a rod licence on 5 August 2006 at Smith Lake, in Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire.
2. Alex Jack, 19, of Cundell Way, Kingsworthy, Winchester, Hampshire, was fined £70 and ordered to pay £70 costs for fishing without a licence on 5 August 2006 at Brasenose Lake, in Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire.
3. Matthew Leigh, 29, of Manchester Road, Altrincham, Cheshire, was fined £70 and ordered to pay £70 costs for fishing without a rod licence on 5 August 2006 at Manor Farm lake, in Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire.
4. Nicholas Miller, 27, of Heath Road, Timperley, Altrincham, Cheshire, was fined £70 and ordered to pay £70 costs for fishing without a rod licence at Manor Farm Lake, in Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire. Mr Miller was also fined £80 for failing to give a name and address to Environment Agency officers.
5. Anthony Middleton, 44, of Heyford Road, Steeple Aston, Bicester, Oxfordshire, was fined £70 and ordered to pay £70 costs for fishing without a rod licence on 12 August 2006 at Field Farm, Launton, Oxfordshire..
6. Adrian Nicholas, 29, of Elmay Road, Birmingham, was fined £70 and ordered to pay £70 costs for fishing without a rod licence on 5 August 2006 at Smiths Lake, in Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire.
7. Lee Warner, 32, of Winnal Manor Road, Winchester, Hampshire, was fined £70 and ordered to pay £70 costs for fishing without a rod licence on 5 August 2006 at Guys Lake, in Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire.
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
Environment Agency News Release
