Men handed fines over illegal fishing
TWO men have been fined hundreds of pounds after they were convicted of fishing without permission and without valid licences in Driffield.
Monday, March 11, Alfie Ramsey, 19, of Bodmin Road, Leeds, and Jack Rice, 19, of Helston Leeds, appeared at Beverley Magistrates’ Court.
They were found guilty of unlawfully attempting to take fish from water where a private right of fishery exists contrary to the Theft Act 1968, and taking fish without a licence with a rod and line contrary to Section 27 of the Salmon and Freshwaters Fisheries Act 1975.
Both men were ordered to pay fines, costs, and surcharges totalling £776 each and their equipment forfeited by the court, which is to be donated to a Local Youth Fishing Programme.
In a statement, Humberside Police said the conviction “sends out a message” that the force will not tolerate any illegal fishing activity across the East Riding.
Rural Task Force Sergeant Kevin Jones said: take reports of this nature seriously, and through Traverse, a multiagency operation tackling illegal fishing, fish theft and the associated antisocial behaviour along rivers, lakes and waterways, we can hold those who commit such crimes to account.
work closely with partners including the Environment Agency, Angling Trust
and the fishing community, including river keepers and members, to take positive action with regards this type of criminality.
“This conviction sends out a message that we will not tolerate any illegal fishing across the East Riding and will take positive action against those individuals who are involved in such illegal poaching activities.
“I would like to thank the River Keeper and Angling Trust for their support with the investigation.
advice is simple, stay legal, buy a rod licence, and adhere to the fishing laws.
“If you witness any suspected illegal fishing or theft of fish from enclosed waters, please contact our non-emergency number 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress. You can also contact the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.”