A day's fishing proved expensive for a Leicester man when he was caught without a rod licence by Environment Agency bailiffs.
Matt Ralton, 44, of St Stephens Road, Leicester was proved guilty in his absence and ordered to pay a total penalty of £1,428. The case was heard at Leicester Magistrates' Court on 5th December 2018.
Ralton was found guilty of fishing without a licence, failing to state his name and address, and obstructing a constable in the execution of his duties at Watery Gate Fishery, Thurlaston on 2nd June 2018.
The penalty includes fines of £800 plus costs of £548 and a victim surcharge of £80 after Ralton was found in breach of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975 and the Police Act 1996.
Following the verdict, Peter Haslock, Area Enforcement Team Leader for the Environment Agency said: "This case shows anglers how seriously the courts take these offences and highlights how we do not tolerate obstructive behaviour towards our officers under any circumstances. It acts as a reminder to anglers of the importance of having a rod licence and we hope it will provide a deterrent to any angler who is thinking of fishing without a licence or of failing to give details to an officer.
"All of the money raised from rod licence sales is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries, benefiting anglers and, for those caught cheating the system, we will always prosecute."
Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence. A one-day licence costs from just £6 and an annual licence costs from just £30.
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