A Street resident's attempt to evade legal consequences for unlicensed fishing by using a fake name backfired when the Environment Agency officers he tried to deceive knew the person he impersonated.

Aaron Thurston, 35, from Street, found himself in deeper waters at Swindon Magistrates' Court after being prosecuted for fishing without a licence at Viaduct Fishery in Somerton, and for providing false details to the Environment Agency's Water Bailiffs.

In an ironic twist, the false identity Thurston assumed was someone the bailiffs were familiar with.

The court ordered Thurston to pay a total of £751, including fines for each offence, costs, and a victim surcharge.

Richard Dearnley, Environment Agency Water Bailiff, said: "We are pleased with another successful prosecution for unlicensed fishing and hope the penalty received will deter others planning to fish illegally. The Environment Agency and courts take these offences very seriously.

"Illegal fishing undermines our efforts to ensure fish are protected and fishing is sustainable, and enforcement officers, like myself, are on patrol around the clock to combat this crime.

"Those wishing to fish in England and Wales must purchase a fishing licence. The money raised through rod licence sales is reinvested into our fisheries; to enhance and protect them for the benefit of both fish and anglers.

"Additionally, as in this case, any attempts to deceive or obstruct Environment Agency officers will result in additional charges."

advertisement

Licences can be purchased online or by phone, more information can be found on the fishing licences webpage.

Anyone with information about illegal fishing can report this to the 24/7 Environment Agency incident hotline on 0800 807060, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.