AN angler has been ordered to pay almost £400 for fishing illegally at Heybridge Basin.

The Essex man has been ordered to pay a total of £396 after he went fishing without a valid rod licence last New Year's Eve at Heybridge Basin in Maldon.

The case was heard at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court where Thomas Ross, of Forest Terrace in Chigwell, pleaded guilty.

He was sentenced on September 1.

The court fined the 39-year-old £360 and imposed a £36 victim surcharge.

This is almost 10 times more than the cost of a 12-month trout and coarse 3-rod fishing licence, which is £45.

Lesley Robertson, enforcement team leader for the Environment Agency in East Anglia said: "This case shows we pursue offenders through the courts and will not hesitate to take enforcement action where anglers flout the rules. Anyone found fishing illegally may face prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500.

"All anglers need a valid Environment Agency rod licence.

"The money raised through the sales of rod licences is re-invested and enables us to improve all fisheries, including rivers, for anglers.

"Our Fisheries Enforcement Officers routinely undertake licence checks and we urge anyone with information about illegal fishing to contact us on 0800 807060.”

Licences now run 365 days from the day of purchase offering 12 full months of fishing.

Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence.

A one-day licence costs from £6, and an annual licence costs from £30. Concessions are available. Junior licences are free for 13 to 16-year-olds.

Check gov.uk for more information or call the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Or you can buy a licence from a Post Office branch.

The Environment Agency carries out enforcement work all year round and is supported by police forces and the Angling Trust.

Operation Lungfish, a month-long enforcement campaign, ran during the summer which targeted poachers and those fishing without a licence.

In the first two weeks in East Anglia 33 offences were reported by Fisheries Enforcement Officers.

Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.