Expensive fishing trip for illegal Derbyshire angler

Mark Lee, 58, of Mathers Grave Lane, Brackenfield, Alfreton, appeared before Northampton magistrates where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

Lee was charged with fishing without a licence after he was seen fishing at Carsington Water, near Ashbourne, on October 5 last year, by an Environment Agency enforcement officer.

A spokesperson from the Environment Agency said: “An annual fishing licence costs just £30, yet a small number of anglers continue to flout the law and risk prosecution for fishing without a licence and breaching byelaws in place to protect fish stocks.

“It’s important anglers have a licence before fishing; the money from licences is invested into England’s fisheries and rivers; improving the sport of angling.

“Anglers should also ensure that they are familiar with our byelaws, which are available on the Environment Agency web pages.”