THE Environment Agency has warned it has a “zero tolerance” attitude to abuse after an officer was pushed while investigating reports of illegal fishing.

A father and son from Teesside were both left with court bills of more than £1,000 after obstructing an Environment Agency officer last June.  

Thomas Hill, 27, from Sudbury Road, Stockton, and his father Daniel Jobson, 43, of the same address, appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court earlier this month.

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They were both charged with obstructing the Environment Agency officer in the execution of his duty.

Hill was also charged with fishing without a licence.

Neither attended the court hearing on March 1 and the case was proven in their absence.

The court heard on June 15, enforcement officers were on boat patrols on the River Tees at Yarm, where they saw Hill and Jobson fishing.

During enquiries, Hill refused to give his personal details, as he is legally required to do, and tried to leave on a bike.

He was told he should not leave the scene and that the bike would be seized. But the pair began to pull on the bike during a scuffle before pushing it at the officer and causing him to fall.

Jobson was fined £440 and ordered to pay costs, a victim surcharge and compensation amounting to £569, while Hill was fined £660, and ordered to pay costs, a victim surcharge and compensation amounting to £589.

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Andrew Turner, area environment manager for the Environment Agency in the North East, said: “Every single day our officers are out doing an important job, investigating illegal activity and ensuring people are fishing within the law.  

“We have a zero tolerance policy on abuse and will take appropriate action on any offences committed against our officers.”

Those who fish illegally can be be prosecuted and face a fine of up to £2,500. Illegal fishing can be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.

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