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A REDDITCH angler was one of six netted and brought before Redditch magistrates for fishing without a valid rod licence.

With water bailiffs on the look out and prosecutions like this on the increase, it is hoped the case sends a clear message to anglers that a day's fishing in the Midlands without an Environment Agency rod licence could prove very expensive. The maximum possible fine for fishing without a licence is £2,500.

Roy McMillan, 59, of Paddock Lane, Oakenshaw, was fined £30 and ordered to pay £50 in costs. He was convicted of a charge of fishing without a licence. The offence was committed at Alvechurch Fishery, Barnt Green, on August 26, 2007.

Each defendant caught was also ordered to pay £15 victim surcharge.

Speaking after the cases, Midlands Strategic Specialist, Martin Cooper, said: "Anglers who fish without a valid rod licence need to be aware that our water bailiffs are out and about checking rod licenses. As this result demonstrates, sooner or later they are going to get caught and we won't hesitate to prosecute.

"Not only does a prosecution prove costly, with fines of up to £2,500, it also marks an angler out as someone who cheats his fellow anglers. When you buy a rod licence, the money is used to help fund our work managing fisheries and improving the sport for everyone, work such as re-stocking rivers after pollution incidents. So if you don't buy a rod licence, you reduce the pleasure of the sport for everyone else.

"The message from this court case is loud and clear - if you haven't got a valid rod licence, get one today."

12:15pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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