A County Down man has been caught fishing with three rods but without a proper licence at Loughgall Country Park.
Desmond Maxwell, of Willow Park, Ballynahinch, appeared before Banbridge Magistrates’’ Court, sitting at Newry.
The 24-year-old was convicted of fishing without the proper licence required.
He received a conditional discharge for a breach of the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966.
Court heard in March 2020, DAERA Inland Fisheries Protection Officers were on routine patrol at Loughgall Country Park when they observed the defendant angling with three fishing rods.
When asked to provide evidence that he had the correct fishing rod licence, he provided details of an Environment Agency fishing rod licence which is only valid in Great Britain.
This was his second detection in two years for the same offence.
A DAERA spokesperson said: “DAERA Inland Fisheries enforcement is committed to pursue those who have a detrimental effect on fish stocks and ensure the correct license is in place allowing you to fish legally.
“If you are aware or suspect illegal fishing, you should contact DAERA Inland Fisheries on 0300 200 7860 or outside office hours contact 0800 807 060.”
