Fisherman fined over pole threat

A Somerset fisherman who admitted threatening water bailiffs with a metal pole has been fined £1,800.

John Gillard also pleaded guilty to offences under Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act of 1975 at Bridgwater Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

The court heard Gillard, from Kings Drive, Westonzoyland, set an illegal fixed net on the River Parrett.

When he was approached by water bailiffs he threatened them. Gillard was also ordered to pay £600 costs.

Batons drawn

When he was told his catch was illegal and would have to be returned to the river and his net seized, he became aggressive, swearing and threatening the officers with a scaffolding pole, said a spokesman for the Environment Agency.

The two agency staff drew their batons and told him to drop the weapon.

Gillard then threw the metal pole into the water and got into a van and drove off.

The spokesman said: "We take cases of abusive behaviour against our staff very seriously.

"It is unacceptable and we will not hesitate to prosecute anyone who behaves in this way."