The assault on two Environment Agency bailiffs happened at 11.45am at Gold Valley Lakes, in Surrey, when two officers, Graham Haynes and Bob Bennett, approached a group of four men and one woman.
One of the men claimed that he had a rod licence and Mr Haynes tried to check this out with the Environment Agency’s communication centre over the phone. While he was doing this, however, the man became aggressive towards him. Both bailiffs were then assaulted, and one lost consciousness for a short time.
The police and an ambulance were called. Mr Bennett was taken to Frimley Park Hospital but was released later that day.
Anyone aged 12 years or over, fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England and Wales must have an Environment Agency Rod Fishing Licence. They cost £ 23.50 for a year and were available to buy at Gold Valley Lakes. They are also available from Post Offices, over the telephone and online.
Rod licences are important as the relatively small amount of money helps to fund the Environment Agency’s important work managing fisheries and improving angling facilities. Those breaking the law are also cheating other anglers.
Bailiff Graham Haynes said: “This sort of incident is rare and in my 15 years as a bailiff this is the first time something like this has happened. It has not deterred or intimidated me in any way and I am pleased to say that the vast majority of anglers I meet are happy to see that we check rod licences and enforce the law.”
Paul Greaves, from the Environment Agency said: “It is totally unacceptable to physically assault someone who is carrying out their duty as a law enforcement officer.
“It is a requirement by law that anglers have a rod licence and our bailiffs were just making routine checks in a professional manner. “This assault was uncalled for and we hope fishery owners will support us in making it clear that it is unwelcome on their premises.”
Anyone with information about the attack and those responsible should contact PC Alex Neville on 0845 045 45 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For more information on rod licences visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence
