A Lurgan angler was today convicted at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court in his absence for several fishing offences and fined a total of £415 which included a £15 offender levy.
Mr Kieran Jackson (23) of Ardboe Drive, Lurgan, was today found guilty at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court of five breaches of legislation on two different dates as prescribed under the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966, namely unlicensed fishing, fishing on the Department’s waters without a permit, failing to provide his name and address, and obstructing and impeding an authorised person.
On the 1 September 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.
Mr Jackson 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; a check of the details provided by Mr Jackson found that he was fishing without a valid fishing licence and permit.
On the 26 October 2021 DAERA Fisheries Protection Officers were on routine patrol of the Department’s Public Angling Estate (PAE) on the Upper Bann river, Portadown, at the same location when they again observed Mr Jackson fishing and after a check of the details provided it was discovered Mr Jackson was fishing without a valid permit; it further transpired that Mr Jackson had provided incorrect details regarding his true identity for the incident on the 1 September 2021.
The total fine of £415 consisted of fines ranging from £50 to £100 for each offence along with an offender levy of £15.
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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CLANRYE NEWS 