Received
05/08/04
LETTER
FROM ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
Dear
Sir/Madam Peter Collins Cautioned for illegal
fishing methods Further to our recent correspondence
on this matter, I write to update you on the outcome of our investigation. On
2 August 2004, the Environment Agency issued a formal caution for three offences
to angler Peter Collins of Peterborough who was caught fishing on the old course
of the River Nene using set-lines – an illegal form of fishing prohibited under
section 1 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. It
was for public interest reasons that the Environment Agency decided to issue a
formal caution rather than taking Mr Collins to court. On the evidence, either
a prosecution or formal caution could be instituted. The Agency chose a formal
caution as the appropriate action to take. Our
lawyers decided that it would not be in the public interest to take Mr Collins
to court because of: his age – 80 in October his
poor health his previous good character his
co-operation with investigating officers and his full and frank admissions, and his
categorical assurance that he does not intend to offend again.
Set-lines
are illegal and the Agency will take appropriate
enforcement action wherever there is evidence of
a person using set-lines. In
Mr Collins' case, it was clear that a formal caution was the appropriate action.
A formal caution is a serious matter. It will be held on the offender's record
and it will influence the Agency’s
decision whether to institute legal proceedings
if he offends again. It may also be cited in any subsequent court proceedings. I
hope that this information addresses the issues you raised in your correspondence
and thank you for your interest in the Environment Agency. Yours
sincerely Ernie Pearce Corporate
Services Assistant | 
NEWS