A man has been fined more than 300 300 for fishing illegally at a caravan park in West Norfolk. Paul Smart, from Acred Close, Little Downham, was fined 3 333 after being caught fishing illegally on August 30, 2021 at Lakeside Caravan Park in Denver, Norfolk. Smart pleaded guilty in the Folkstone Magistrates’ Court where the 52-year-old was fined and charged an additional 34 34 for the victim and 60 60. At the end of the trial he owed a total of 7 427, almost 10 times the current price of a άδε 45 fishing license. Smart did not offer any mitigation for the incident. The head of the Environment Agency’s fisheries team, Ian Hirst, said: “This case shows that we are prosecuting offenders through the courts and we will not hesitate to take enforcement action when fishermen break the rules. “Anyone found fishing illegally could face criminal prosecution and a fine of up to 2.5 2,500. All fishermen need a valid fishing permit from the Environment Agency. “The money raised from the sales of fishing licenses is being reinvested, enabling us to improve all types of fishing, including rivers, for fishermen. “Our fisheries enforcement officers regularly carry out license checks and we urge anyone with information on illegal fishing to contact us at 0800 807060.” Any fisherman aged 13 and over who fishes in a river, canal or calm water needs a permit. A one-day leave costs £ 6 and an annual leave costs £ 30 for the most basic coverage, junior leave is free for children 13 to 16 years old. The licenses are valid for 365 days from the day of purchase, offering 12 months of fishing. To purchase a fishing license call the Environment Service at 0344 800 5386 or alternatively purchase a license from the Post Office. Anyone with information on illegal fishing can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
