A fisherman at a reservoir near Llanidloes who gave a false name in a bid to escape prosecution has been fined by a court.
Robert Simpson, 30, of Aberbargoed, Caerphilly, was spotted fishing from a boat by a Natural Resources Wales (NRW) officer who was on a routine patrol of Llyn Clywedog on May 21, 2022.
When he returned to shore, Simpson was asked to produce his rod licence, and told the officer that his name was Stephen Fisher and he had left his licence at home.
Newport Magistrates' Court heard that following a rod licence check, the officer found there was no valid licence in the name of Stephen Fisher at the address supplied by Simpson.
Simpson later provided his correct name and address after the officer warned him that he could seize his fishing equipment if he didn't provide the real details. Under caution Simpson admitted using his friend’s details for licence checks.
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Having failed to attend court on three previous occasions, Simpson was arrested on January 11, by PC Mark Powell, a police officer seconded to NRW, and taken to Newport Magistrates’ Court.
At court, Simpson pleaded guilty to fishing without a valid rod licence and providing false information to an Enforcement Officer.
He was fined £425 for providing false information, £100 for having no licence, ordered to pay costs of £877.50 and ordered to pay a Victim Surcharge of £52.50.
Jeremy Goddard, Team Leader for NRW’s Mid Wales Waste and Enforcement Team said: “You must have a rod fishing licence for England and Wales if you’re fishing for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel with a rod and line. You could be fined up to up to £2,500 and your fishing equipment could be seized if you’re fishing and cannot show a valid rod fishing licence.
“Children under 13 do not need a licence and licences for children between 13 and 16 are free. However, you still need to get a junior licence.”
Rod licences can be purchased online at https://naturalresources.wales/permits-and-permissions/buy-a-fishing-rod-licence
Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing activity can report it to the NRW 24-hour incident hotline on 03000 65 3000 or on the NRW website.
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