A Keighley man who verbally abused an Environment Agency fisheries enforcement officer was ordered to pay more than £400 after pleading guilty to fishing without a valid rod licence in Bradford Magistrates Court today.

 Mark Holmes of 9 Steadings Way, Keighley, was stopped on the 11 April 2008 at Coppice Ponds in Bingley, while getting ready to fish.

 Mr Holmes was reported for preparing to fish without a valid rod licence under Section 27(b) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.

Unfortunately Mr Holmes also verbally abused the Environment Agency’s fisheries enforcement officer and he was also reported for a Section 4 POA 1986 – Public Order.

The matter was originally listed at Bradford Magistrates on 4 August 2008 where the defendant pleaded not guilty to both offences and the matter was adjourned until today.

At the Pre Trial Review in Bradford Magistrates Court today the defendant pleaded guilty to both charges and was fined £330.00 and ordered to pay £75.00 costs and £15.00 victim’s surcharge.

For more information visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk