Two anglers from the Midlands have been fined after being caught illegally fishing at Idle Valley Nature Reserve near Retford, Nottinghamshire. The men violated a criminal behaviour order (CBO) that bans them from entering the protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and from possessing fishing equipment in the Bassetlaw district.
Luke Douglas, 24, and Layton Janes, 30, were found fishing on May 13 with four rods set along the lake bank, using baited rigs to catch carp. Both had previously been issued five-year CBOs prohibiting them from the reserve due to repeated offenses. Douglas was detained at the scene, while Janes initially fled but later surrendered voluntarily.
At Nottingham Magistrates' Court on May 14, the pair admitted breaching their CBOs and were ordered to pay fines of £85 each. Officer Mark Holland from the Worksop South neighbourhood policing team emphasized the environmental impact of such actions, highlighting the stress on wildlife and damage to conservation efforts, despite catch and release methods.
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Holland also noted the problem of littering and disrespectful behaviour by offenders at the reserve, stressing the police commitment to protect these valuable rural habitats. The Idle Valley Nature Trust, which manages one of Nottinghamshire’s largest conservation sites, continues to collaborate with law enforcement to safeguard the area’s wildlife and natural environment.