A Lurgan angler has been fined £450 after being found guilty of a number of fishing offences including failure to possess a valid licence and permit.
Kieran Jackson (23), of Ardboe Drive, was sentenced in his absence today (Tuesday) at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court.
He was convicted of five breaches of legislation on two different dates as prescribed under the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966, namely unlicensed fishing and fishing on the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) waters without a permit.
He was also found guilty of failing to provide his name and address and obstructing and impeding an authorised person.
The court heard that on September 1, 2021, DAERA Fisheries protection officers were on routine patrol of the department’s Public Angling Estate (PAE) on the Upper Bann River, Portadown, when they observed Mr Jackson fishing.
He was asked to provide his details so a check could be completed to ensure he had the correct fishing licence and permissions in place to fish legally at this location. However, a check of the details provided found he was fishing without a valid fishing licence and permit.
A few weeks later, on October 26, 2021, DAERA officers were on routine patrol at the same location when they again observed Mr Jackson fishing and after a check of the details provided it was discovered he was fishing without a valid permit; it further transpired Mr Jackson had provided incorrect details regarding his true identity regarding the incident on September 1.
The total fine of £415 consisted of fines ranging from £50 to £100 for each offence along with an offender levy of £15.
A fishing licence is required to fish lawfully for any freshwater fish, while a permit issued by DAERA Inland Fisheries is required to fish lawfully on the department’s Public Angling Estate (PAE).
A spokesperson for DAERA said: “DAERA Inland Fisheries enforcement is committed to pursue those who fish illegally.
“If you are aware or suspect illegal fishing, you should contact DAERA Inland Fisheries on 0300 200 7860 or outside office hours contact 0800 807 060.”
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