The Pike Anglers Club, Zander Anglers
Club, and all our predator group members are pleased that the EA have now satisfactorily
resolved the issue of the prosecution of Peter Collins. The EA announced Monday
that Mr Collins had received a formal caution for the use of set-lines earlier
this year. These set-lines had resulted in the deliberate and illegal killing
of Zander and also pike for a number of years, and he was only caught due to the
efforts of local PAC Liaison Officer Denis Moules.
We believe the formal caution Peter
Collins has received is sufficient punishment under the circumstances, the full
details of which are set out in the attached EA Press Release. The caution lies
on Mr Collins file as an acceptance of guilt and carries with it an assurance
against re-offending, which can be legally enacted should the need arise.
We would
add however that we view it as unfortunate that the EA have taken so long to bring
this case to a successful conclusion, as the perceived lack of action has caused
considerable disquiet among anglers. Predator anglers were worried that any leniency
towards Peter Collins would have set a dangerous precedent to others who might
be tempted to commit this or indeed other (unrelated) byelaw offences.
SAA
and PAC had in fact gone so far as to brief a Solicitor to bring a private prosecution,
had the EA not issued a caution to Mr Collins. We are pleased that this will not
now be needed.
Commenting
on this aspect of the case, Adrian Taylor of the EA Fisheries Dept said;
"The initial statement
made by an Agency Officer soon after the offences were reported that “the EA do
not prosecute pensioners” was incorrect. There is no fixed policy on prosecuting
pensioners but it is one of many factors taken into account under Government Guidelines,
when considering each case.
We
would also add that the time taken to bring this case reflects unusual circumstances
and to collate the evidence, and would normally be considerably less.”
PAC
General Secretary Robert Murray said;
“It
was imperative that this case was prosecuted to the full extend of the law. This
sends a message that all predator fish will be protected from anyone using illegal
methods to remove and kill them. PAC members everywhere will be as watchful as
ever, protecting our favourite species”.
In
today’s society angling faces many challenges, and it is imperative that we work
together to protect and promote our sport. We are extremely grateful to the NAA
for the support they have given to our stance on this issue, as in doing so they
have ably demonstrated the high level of unity between the major angling groups.
Taking the law into ones own hands by contrast, to kill specimen fish, will inevitably
only serve to drive us apart. Care for our quarry and the environment in which
we fish is paramount, so we are happy to see this matter closed.
Ends.
For
further information contact;
SAA,
Chris Burt, 07802 328842, email
chris.burt1@btopenworld.com
PAC, Rob Murray, 0191 243 1467, email
robmurray@totalise.co.uk
NEWS
SAA PRESS RELEASE