Couple prosecuted for catching 174 lobsters illegally

NORTHUMBERLAND — couhave been prosecuted after breaching national and local fisheries legislation.

- DANIEL HALL

Charles and Brenda Denton of Atlee Terrace, Newbiggin, were found guilty of four offences at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard that on January 16, Mrs Denton’s vessel the Andigee WY372 fishing from Blyth harbour, with her husband Michael acting as Master, was observed fishing within the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority's (NIFCA) district using pots without a valid commercial shellfish permit.