Man escapes prison sentence for obstruction of fisheries officer

Press Release 12th December 2011

Mr. Piotr Flaga narrowly escaped prison for obstructing a fisheries officer in a case taken by Inland Fisheries Ireland at Carrickmacross District court, Co. Monaghan on 7th December last. Instead the defendant was given a fine of €450 and Inland Fisheries Ireland was awarded €500 in expenses for bringing this case.

On the 18th & 19th August 2011, Mr. Piotr Flaga was found to have set lines at a lake in Carrickmacross with the intention of taking coarse fish illegally. When apprehended by Assistant Inspector Ronan O’Brien, Mr. Flaga refused to co-operate and would not give his name and address. He obstructed Mr. O’Brien by moving his vehicle towards him in a bid to escape when questioned. The Gardai were called to the scene and subsequently Mr. Flaga was issued with 2 summons.

Mr. Flaga with an address at Bog Road, Drogheda appeared in court and entered a guilty plea. Judge Sean McBride convicted him under Sections 301 and 308 of the 1959 Fisheries Act in relation to refusing to co-operate by giving his name and address and obstructing a fisheries officer during the course of his duty. He was further charged for breach of byelaw 595 of 1977 in relation to fishing in fresh water for coarse fish by means other than rod and line. The defendant was fined a total of €450 with five months to pay with 14 days imprisonment in default.

Judge MacBride emphasised that any person in the future who came before him intending to assault or obstruct a Fisheries officer would face imprisonment. On this occasion Mr. Flaga’s appearance in court and his guilty plea were taken into account. Also the fact that he had finally co-operated with Assistant Inspector Ronan O’Brien and publicly apologised to him.

The total costs awarded to Inland Fisheries Ireland in bringing these cases was €500. Inland Fisheries Ireland has been instrumental in the introduction of the 2006 coarse fish and pike byelaws and has been proactive in their enforcement with over 60 prosecutions initiated to date within the Eastern River Basin District area. Coarse and pike fishing provides an important recreational amenity to both local and overseas anglers, making a valuable contribution to the local economy.

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.