Jail Sentence for Obstructing, Threatening and Assaulting Fisheries Staff
December 17th, 2010
Jail Sentence for Obstructing, Threatening and Assaulting Fisheries Staff
A jail sentence of 10 months was handed down to Mr Sean Robinson, 10 Ballyrichard, Carrick on Suir, Co Tipperary at Carrick on Suir District Court yesterday (Dec 16th). Sentence was reserved following the initial conviction on June 17th last when the court heard that Mr Robinson had threatened to damage staff cars and burn down staff homes, as well as physically assaulting the Fisheries Inspector for the area.
On August 25th 2009, Mr Robinson was apprehended while illegally fishing on the river Suir. Following apprehension Mr Robinson threatened and obstructed Fisheries Officers and assaulted Fisheries Inspector Tony O Dwyer. Judge Terence Finn, while imposing sentence, commented that ‘ a jail sentence had to be imposed due to Mr Robinsons violent reaction to fisheries staff’.
Mr David McInerney, Director, IFI Clonmel commended staff on their ongoing efforts to stamp out illegal fishing while having to contend with assaults and threats to themselves, their homes and property. He noted that ‘illegal salmon fishing is an environmental crime and an antisocial behavior and IFI will continue its efforts to protect and conserve Ireland’s natural resources’.
Illegal Fishing can be reported to 1890 34 74 24, IFI’s confidential 24 hour report line.
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Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Campion
Head of Business Development
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Anglesea Street,
Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 052 6180055 Fax: 052 6123971
Email: suzanne.campion@fisheriesireland.ie Website: www.fisheriesireland.ie
Notes to Editor
Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. IFI will promote, support, facilitate and advise the Minister on, the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling and develop and advise the Minister on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling.
