Enforcement

The ‘FESS’ is a partnership between the Angling Trust and Environment Agency and funded by English freshwater fishing licence income. The FESS went ‘live’ on 1st November 2015, following the Angling Trust being awarded the National Angling Strategic Services contract by the Environment Agency.

FESS managers are all retired police officers of immense experience – and, as anglers themselves, perfectly understand the issues faced and required response.

The FESS builds on the groundwork and vision firmly laid between 2012-2015 and exists to support the Environment Agency, the statutory lead on fisheries enforcement, through:

• Coordinating a multi-agency approach to fisheries crime and compliance, encouraging a partnership approach. 
• Raising awareness throughout the police service, Crown Prosecution Service and Magistrates’ Association. 
• Helping advise the police and Agency and helping put things right should the service fall short. 
• Increasing incoming intelligence and sharing of that information. 
• Upskilling the angling community through Fisheries Enforcement Workshops and the provision of expert advice to angling clubs and fisheries. 
• Delivering the Voluntary Bailiff Service throughout England, empowering anglers to contribute to fisheries enforcement. 
• Delivering the Building Bridges Project, aimed at the education and integration of migrant anglers. 

Please do not hesitate to contact your Regional Enforcement Support Manager for professional enforcement advice. Contact details can be found here.

The Voluntary Bailiff Service is an increasingly important partnership between the Angling Trust and Environment Agency, empowering anglers to support the police and Agency in fighting back against fisheries crime and protecting fish and fisheries. The VBS initiative continues to be enormously successful, driving forward positive change.

Effective enforcement today is ‘intelligence-led’, relying upon incoming calls and information. This country has a long and proud history of volunteering, the police, for example, have received essential support from the Special Constabulary for many years and now have 500,000 Police Support Volunteers nationally.

Indeed, in Eastern Europe, government fisheries officers are supported by a huge army of volunteers – 5,000 in Poland alone – and in Holland, Royal Sportfisserij Nederland effectively manages and administers fisheries enforcement volunteers.

The Voluntary Bailiff Service, therefore, is a unique opportunity for freshwater anglers in England to positively contribute towards supporting the Environment Agency and police in protecting fish and fisheries.

Following a hugely successful pilot project in South East England between 2012 and 2015, the VBS revolves entirely around training Volunteer Bailiffs to report incidents and information to the appropriate agency and to a high evidential standard, thereby increasing the chances of successful prosecutions.

The VBS is inclusive, embracing volunteers from all age groups, sexes and ethnicities and we particularly welcome applications from the BAME community. The Angling Trust is also a member of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.

A Voluntary Bailiff examines a recovered hoop net with an Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement Officer

Due to health and safety considerations, the volunteers are not expected to approach anglers on the bank – but report what they see and hear. It emphasises how vitally important reporting is and calls should be made to the 24-hour Environment Agency incident hotline 0800 80 70 60.

The VBS is currently administered by six regions throughout England, each run by an Angling Trust Regional Enforcement Support Manager, who works very closely with the Environment Agency and police. Each region is sub-divided into areas, each with an Environment Agency Fisheries Enforcement Officer acting as a Single Point of Contact, liaising with a volunteer serving as an Area Co-ordinator.

Training is provided by Angling Trust staff, who are both retired police officers and anglers; the Environment Agency; UK National Wildlife Crime Unit or local police, and the Fish Health Inspectorate.

Volunteers receive a pocketbook, identity card and Angling Trust clothing. Most importantly, access is provided to the secure VBS website for reporting purposes and information sharing. All volunteers must be over 18 years of age.

Annually, the VBS participates in Operation CLAMPDOWN with the Environment Agency and police, cracking down on illegal fishing during the coarse close season. This is a perfect opportunity to promote and increase partnership working, intelligence gathering and sharing – and for Volunteer Bailiffs to work directly with the professionals on joint patrols. During the 2019 close season, Operation CLAMPDOWN ran for the seventh consecutive year. Volunteer Bailiffs throughout England demonstrated their massive commitment to protecting fish and fisheries and cracking down on licence cheats by logging 3,650 patrols and reporting 131 incidents to the Environment Agency and police during ‘OCD7’.

All anglers can help this process, in fact – at any time of year – by reporting information and offences in progress to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60, or the police on 101/999 as appropriate.

If you are interested in joining the Voluntary Bailiff Service please complete the VBS Application Form:

The Angling Trust encourages all anglers to comply with the law and buy an Environment Agency rod licence at www.gov.uk/fishing-licences/buy-a-fishing-licence

The funds raised from licence sales are spent on improving fish stocks and promoting angling, including several programmes of work delivered by the Angling Trust itself.

This data is provided periodically by the Environment Agency, and only refers to prosecutions of anglers that were conducted by courts in England in the month stated.

It does not include resolutions by way of cautions, warning letters or advice and guidance letters.

July – October 2023

Total fines for July – October: £19,124

Average fine: £324

On 5th July 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Robert George Brealy aged 27 of Canterbury Road, Herne Bay, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Longshaw Fisheries, on 19/06/2022, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £247

On 3rd July 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Adam Greenwood aged 33 of Wentworth Avenue, Macclesfield, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Baden Hall Fishery, on 14/01/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £275

On 5th July 2023 at North Cheshire, the offender John Rowan aged 63 of Redgate, Formby, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Abrahams Bridge at Liverpool Rd, on 22/10/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £308

On 28th July 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Alin Florin Ionita aged 27 of Balcombe Road, Maidenbower, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Broadfield House Lake, Broadfield, on 09/04/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 28th July 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Danny Sharland aged 34 of Beckets Close, Hastingleigh, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Singleton Lake, on 15/01/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 28th July 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Dave Henry Smith aged 24 of Augustine Road, Orpington, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Lullingstone Castle Lake, on 17/01/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 28th July 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Ethan Johnson aged 20 of Wood Leys, Chelmsford, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at River Chelmer, on 10/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £129

On 28th July 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Ethan Johnson aged 20 of Wood Leys, Chelmsford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at River Chelmer, on 10/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and had no separate penalty imposed.

On 28th July 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Filip Balan aged 24 of Rudyard Grove, London, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Hanningfield Reservoir, on 04/03/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 28th July 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender John Glendinning aged 39 of North Street, Ashford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Cackle Hill Lakes, on 08/04/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 28th July 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Josh Hubble aged 20 of Wood Leys, Chelmsford, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at River Chelmer, on 10/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £129

On 28th July 2023 at Sussex Eastern Lja Hastings, the offender Josh Hubble aged 20 of Wood Leys, Chelmsford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at River Chelmer, on 10/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and had no separate penalty imposed.

On 20th October 2023 at Barkingside, the offender Andrew Day aged 30 of George Street, Croydon, was prosecuted for the offence of Regional Bylaw: OFRB8 (Southern) at River Wandle – Hackbridge on 16/04/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £329

On 20th October 2023 at Barkingside, the offender Gaey Fowler aged 61 of Hackbridge Road, Wallington, was prosecuted for the offences of Close Season Fishing and Unlicensed Fishing at River Wandle – Hackbridge on 10/04/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £778

On 4th October 2023 at Doncaster, the offender Nerijus Laskevicius aged 36 of Beckett Road, Doncaster, was prosecuted for the offences of National Bylaw: OFNB5 and Unlicensed Fishing at the River Don on 21/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £751

On 20th October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Richard Higgins aged 60 of Rochester Road, Gravesend, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Tricklebrook Fishery on 14/08/2022, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was given a Conditional Discharge of 28 days and fined £161

On 31st October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Alex Banu aged 25 of Ryde Street, Hull, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed Fishing and Close Season Fishing at River Hull – Weel on 10/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £330

On 31st October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Arif Burak aged 21 of Embleton Road, Methley, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Birkwood Fisheries on 26/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £380

On 31st October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Ashley Graily aged 26 of Marton Road, Bridlington, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Fossehill Shooting Ground on 28/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £178

On 31st October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Ben Adam South aged 37 of Clairbrook Close, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Risby Park Lake on 14/03/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £106

On 31st October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Benjamin Holmes aged 21 of Rayner Street, Horbury was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Birkwood Fisheries on 28/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 31st October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Brandon Manning aged 22 of Harrogate Drive, Denaby Main, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed Fishing, Close Season Fishing and Regional Bylaw: OFRB5 (North East) at the River Don – Sprotborough on 18/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £106

On 31st October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Caleb Huntley aged 26 of Benedict Road, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Pickering Park Lake on 16/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 31st October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Carl Finch aged 30 of Alexandra Road, Doncaster, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at the River Don – Sprotborough on 18/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £106

On 31st October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Carl Siddle aged 36 of Jipdane, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Fossehill Shooting Ground on 21/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £190

On 31st October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Christopher Round aged 43 of Esk Street, Gateshead, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Aldin Grange – Bear Park on 29/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £254

On 31st October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Christopher Woodcock aged 38 of Hough End Close, Leeds, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Newhay Lakes on 01/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £106

On 31st October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Constantin Pulu aged 22 of Eldon Grove, Beverley Road, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed Fishing and Close Season Fishing at the River Hull – Weel on 10/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £330

On 31st October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender David Culshaw aged 26 of Waithlands Road, Rochdale, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Birkwood Fisheries on 17/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 31st October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Dean Broadbent aged 46 of Portobello Street, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Pastures Pond, Halsham on 02/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 31st October 2023 at Folkestone Magistrates Court, the offender Emil Marinov aged 47 of Nornabell Street, Hull, was prosecuted for the offences of Close Season Fishing and Regional Bylaw: OFRB5 (North East) at the River Hull on 22/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £268

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Gheorghe Calin aged 40 of Eldon Grove, Beverley Road, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at the Beverley Canal on 20/05/2023 and 10/06/23, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £162

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Ian Garrity aged 44 of Scawthorpe Avenue, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Skyhouse Fisheries on 11/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £254

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Ionel Fleischer aged 45 of Mayfield Street, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at the Beverley Canal on 10/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Irinel Columbenu aged 23 of Hinderwell Street, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Risby Park Lake on 07/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Jack Courtman aged 21 of Morritt Drive, Leeds, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Birkwood Fisheries on 17/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £106

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Jacob Oakley aged 27 of Wayfarings Close, Norton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Raker Lakes on 17/03/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £106

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Joe Speck aged 31 of Arnside Crescent, Castleford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Westlands Pond on 23/06/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Joshua Taylor aged 26 of Carlton Avenue, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Risby Park Lake on 21/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Karl James Hennigan aged 30 of Foundry Mill, Leeds, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Newhay Lakes on 31/10/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Kyle Thorburn aged 28 of Bodmin Court, Mansfield, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed Fishing, Close Season Fishing and Regional Bylaw: OFRB5 (North East) at the River Don – Sprotborough on 18/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £106

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Lee Trainer aged 29 of Rockferry Close, Stockton-on-Tees, was prosecuted for the offences of Close Season Fishing and Regional Bylaw: OFRB5 (North East) at River Tees – Bowesfield on 27/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £236

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Marcus Jordan aged 19 of Woodstock Road, Doncaster, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at the River Don – Sprotborough on 12/03/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Nicolita Radu aged 32 of Prescott Street, Darlington, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Derwent Reservoir on 05/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Phil Lovick aged 37 of Essex Street, Hull, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Risby Park Lake on 21/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £106

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Stephen Moran aged 34 of Field End, Leeds, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Birkwood Fisheries on 26/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 31st October 2023 at Hull and Holderness, the offender Steven Asquith aged 42 of Broadway, York, was prosecuted for the offences of Close Season Fishing and Regional Bylaw OFRB5 (North East) at the River Derwent – Stamford on 04/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £227

On 23rd October 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Blake Keyte aged 24 of Greensome Court, Stafford, was prosecuted for the offences of Unlicensed Fishing and Close Season Fishing at Doxey Marshes on 27/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £555

On 23rd October 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Darius Dee aged 21 of Ellison Close, Evesham, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Manor Farm Fishery on 22/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £339

On 23rd October 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Dusan Tulej aged 34 of Westwood Road, Nottingham, was prosecuted for the offence of National Bylaw: OFB10 at theRiver Trent – Colwick on 16/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £156

On 23rd October 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Jamie Stone aged 35 of Waverley Street, Derby, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Rycroft on 22/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £156

On 23rd October 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender John Barnett aged 51 of Orchard Place, Harvington, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Manor Farm Fisheries on 22/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £247

On 23rd October 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Liam Davidson aged 26 of Milton Grove, Stafford, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Doxey Marshes on 27/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 23rd October 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Liam Longden aged 22 of Elgin Street, Northampton, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Stanwick Lakes Fisheries on 30/04/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 23rd October 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Valentin Boronica aged 26 of Bankdale Road, Birmingham, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at the River Avon, Hopyards, on 07/05/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £224

On 23rd October 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Vojtech Gorol aged 33 of Ena Avenue, Nottingham, was prosecuted for the offence of National Bylaw: OFB10 at the River Trent – Colwick on 16/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £247

On 23rd October 2023 at Northampton Magistrates Court, the offender Simon Barratt aged 32 of Stockport, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Monument on 16/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

On 16th October 2023 at North Cheshire Magistrates Court, the offender Jonathan Mundell aged 40 of Cedar Road, Ribbleton, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at the River Ribble – Preston on 15/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 16th October 2023 at North Cheshire Magistrates Court, the offender Nathan Hart aged 31 of Lord Street, Fleetwood, was prosecuted for the offence of Close Season Fishing at the River Ribble – Preston on 15/06/2023, received a verdict of Guilty and was fined £191

On 17th October 2023 at Swindon, the offender Aaron Thurston aged 35 of Moccasin Way, Street, was prosecuted for the offences of Preparing to Fish with No Licence and Giving False Details at Viaduct Fishery on 21/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £751

On 17th October 2023 at Swindon, the offender Luke Constable aged 29 of Wagtail Road, Waterlooville, was prosecuted for the offence of Unlicensed Fishing at Newlands Farm on 28/05/2023, received a verdict of Proof in Absence and was fined £443

Data Licence:
The Limited Licence granted by the Angling Trust to use the information on this web page will automatically expire 3 calendar months from the date that it is first uploaded to the Angling Trust website. For the avoidance of doubt this varies the limited licence described elsewhere in this website’s Limited Notice.

Monthly Fisheries Prosecutions.
Frequently Asked Questions and Glossary of Terms

FAQs
1. I didn’t know about the court hearing date, what can I do? You can contact the Magistrates Court and ask for the case to be re-opened. www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk/courts

2. Why are the outcomes different for the same offence? At each hearing, the Magistrates take into consideration: the facts of the case, the attitude of the offender, any mitigation offered by the offender and their ability to pay any financial punishment.

Glossary of Terms
‘Penalty’ The penalty is what offender has to pay. It comprises the sum of the fine for the offence committed; a contribution to the Environment Agency costs; the Criminal Court Charge and a victim surcharge. The fine and victim surcharge is decided by the Magistrates hearing the case on the day. Fines go to the treasury. Costs go to the Environment Agency and contribute to the cost incurred in taking the case to court. Victim Surcharge goes to a specific fund for victims of crime. See: http://sentencingcouncil.judiciary.gov.uk/sentencing/victim-surcharge.htm

‘Proof in Absence’ The defendant did not enter a plea at the time their case was heard. The Court convicted the person in their absence.

‘Absolute Discharge’ The defendant is guilty but no fine is imposed

‘Conditional Discharge’ The defendant is guilty but no fine is imposed. There are conditions attached to the discharge: if re-offending occurs within the period of the discharge, the defendant can be sentenced for the original offence and the new one.

‘forfeiture order’ Equipment used in the offence is taken from the defendant and destroyed.

‘disqualification order’ The defendant is disqualified for a period of time, from holding or obtaining a fishing licence. You can’t fish during the period of disqualification.

Offence Code and Laymans Terms

• OF329: Using more than one rod and line when fishing for Salmonoids in all rivers, streams, drains and canals
• OFB08: Exceeded the 3 metre distance between rods
• OFB10: Leaving Rod(s) and Line(s) unattended
• OFNB3 (3): Removed eels or shad by rod and line from any waters
• OFRB5 (North East): Used an illegal lure or bait
• OFRB8 (Southern): Used an illegal lure or bait
• OFRB18 (1): Use of fish as bait in Lake District
• OFNB5: Use of a keepnet less than 2 metres in length
• OFNB8: Fishing with more than four rods and lines at the same time when fishing for coarse fish or Eels
• TA002: Person who unlawfully takes, destroys or attempts to take/destroy any fish in water which is private property
• WRA041: Fishing in a prohibited area
• WRA034: Removed any listed freshwater fish by rod and line from any river, stream or drain, or listed water