Thetford men Vladas Lekutis and Algiradas Paulaskis among five fined for fishing offences in Cambridgeshire

Two Thetford men were among five anglers fined for fishing offences last month.

Vladas Lekutis, 49, and Algiradas Paulaskis, 54, both of Earls Street, were caught fishing during the close season and without a licence on the Little Ouse River, Redmere, on March 17.

A fine of £220 each was imposed in their absence at Brighton Magistrates' Court on June 26 and each were ordered to pay £127.47 in costs and a victim surcharge of £30.

Andrei Ngrei, 27, of Gulliver Close, Kempston, and Ciprian Crimu, 33 of Alexandra Avenue, Harrow, were also caught fishing during the close season and without a licence on the River Great Ouse at Bedford on March 24.

Chris Biggs, 52, of The Rye, Eaton Bray, was caught fishing without a licence on February 7 at Grand Union Canal, Three Locks, Soulbury, and then failed to provide his address when asked by the bailiff.

They each received the same punishment.

Ian Hirst, environment agency fisheries team leader, said: "It’s a crime to fish without a valid licence and offenders can be fined up to £2,500, have their fishing equipment seized and be banned from fishing.

"Our enforcement officers inspect rod licences throughout East Anglia and could turn up at any time.

"These cases show that anyone found fishing illegally or whofails to provide their name and address to an officer carrying out their duties may face prosecution and a fine.

“The money raised through the sales of rod licences is re-invested and enables us to enhance and improve all fisheries for anglers, including rivers.

"Our officers routinely undertake licence checks and we urge anyone with information about illegal fishing activities to contact us.”