John Michael Moore, 37, of 461 Beaumont Leys Lane, Leicester, was found fishing without a rod licence during a routine patrol by an Agency officer at Watermead Country Park, Leicester on 25 August 2003.
Mr Moore was fined £ 200 and ordered to pay £ 85 costs by Leicester magistrates after being found guilty of an offence under Section 27(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. This angler had previous convictions for similar offences.
Buying a licence couldn’t be easier – there are around 17,000 Post Offices and other outlets which sell them direct; and for a small additional charge they can be purchased over the phone (0870 1662662) or from the Agency’s web site – www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish.
Speaking about the offence Area Fisheries and Recreation Team Leader Penny Thorpe said: “Anyone fishing in the Environment Agency Midlands region needs a valid Environment Agency fishing licence, regardless of where they are fishing or whether it is a private or public fishery. The Agency takes any failure to possess a licence very seriously.
“The revenue from the licence provides vital funding for work to protect and enhance fish stocks and fisheries in England and Wales and anyone failing to obtain a licence is compromising this work and the benefit it provides to themselves and fellow anglers.”
