24/06/2005 - Four anglers
received fines and costs totalling £580
at Blackwood Magistrate's Court this week,
for fishing offences, in prosecutions brought
by Environment Agency Wales.
The following three men were seen fishing
without a rod licence, an offence under Section
27(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries
Act 1975 (SAFFA'75).
James Taylor of William Street, Trethomas,
Caerphilly was seen fishing at Riverside Fishery,
Ystrad Mynach on 2 February 2005. He pleaded
guilty by post and was fined £50.
Nathan Perry of East View, Bargoed, Mid-Glamorgan,
was seen fishing at Riverside Fishery, Ystrad
Mynach on 3 February 2005. The case was proved
in his absence and he was fined £100
with £85 costs.
Gareth Partridge of Mill Close, Caerphilly,
was seen fishing in the River Rhymney at Caerphilly
on 17 February 2005. The case was proved in
his absence and he was also fined £100
with £85 costs.
At the same court:
Leon Aplin of Whitworth Terrace,Tredegar,Gwent
pleaded guilty by post to fishing for trout
in the River Sirhowy at Lower Town Bridge,Tredegar
during the annual close season for trout on
19 January 2005. This is an offence contrary
to Section 19(4)(b) of SAFFA '75. He was fined
£100 with £60 costs.
Following the cases an Agency spokesperson
commented: 'Those individuals who seek to
avoid paying for a licence are depriving their
fellow anglers of much-needed income, which
is re-invested in improvements to fisheries.
Avoid a fine, and buy a licence before starting
to fish. Also, anglers are reminded to observe
the statutory close seasons for fishing. Our
enforcement officers will continue to carry
out checks, and we will prosecute offenders
as necessary. '
