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The Environment Agency has successfully prosecuted an angler from Gloucester for two fishing licence offences which ended in fines totalling £1,059.
In a hearing at Swindon Magistrates Court on 13 September 2023, the case against Luke McLarney, 44, of Painswick Road, Gloucester, was proved in his absence after he failed to enter a plea.
The court heard that McLarney refused to give his name and address when asked by a fisheries enforcement officer from the Environment Agency on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal near Hardwicke on March 10 this year.
He was fined £440 for that offence and a further £220 for not having a valid fishing licence. In addition, he was ordered to pay a victim’s surcharge of £264 and costs of £135.
Nichola Tomlinson, the Fisheries Enforcement team leader for the Environment Agency in the West Midlands, said: “We hope this penalty imposed by the court will act as a deterrent to anyone who is thinking of breaking the laws and byelaws for angling in England.
“The case shows how seriously the courts take these offences and the angler has been rightly punished for the illegal fishing he undertook.
“Fishing illegally can incur a fine and offenders can also have their fishing equipment seized. We inspect rod licences 24/7, seven days a week to check on cases of illegal fishing.”
The Environment Agency enforcement teams continue to make sure anglers comply with regulations to protect fish stock.
In 2021 to 2022, fisheries enforcement officers checked just over 41,000 fishing licences and successfully prosecuted nearly 730 anglers for fishing without a licence.
You must purchase a fishing licence to fish in England and Wales. Annual licences start from £33 and can be purchased online or by phone.
Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk
emily