An angler has been convicted at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court for several fishing offences and fined a total of £465, which included a £15 offender levy.
Kevin McCann (55) of Lagmore View Gardens, Dunmurray, Belfast was found guilty at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court to three breaches of legislation and fisheries regulations prescribed under the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966, namely unlicensed fishing, fishing on Public Angling Estate (PAE) waters without a permit and obstructing and impeding an authorised person while carrying out their duties.
The court heard that on 25 August 2021, DAERA fisheries protection officers were on routine patrol of PAE waters at Hillsborough Lake when they observed McCann angling.
When asked to reel in his rod so a check of the bait could be made, McCann reeled in two rods; a further rod licence and permit check confirmed that McCann had a game licence and permit for one of the rods and not the other.
When this was explained to McCann, he advised the second rod belonged to his grandson who had gone for a walk. The fisheries protection officers then advised they would await his return. McCann obstructed and impeded DAERA staff from carrying out their duties, the court heard.
The total fine of £465 consisted of fines of £150 for each offence along with an offender levy of £15.
DAERA says it is committed to pursue those who fish illegally in Northern Ireland. If you are aware or suspect illegal fishing, DAERA Inland Fisheries can be contacted at (+44) 0300 200 7860 or outside office hours (+44) 0800 807 060.
