Man gets off the hook after being cautioned for illegal fishing

A MAN had his case dismissed at Strabane Magistrates Court after being cautioned for fishing in a prohibited area at Sion Mills.

On July 8 last year, police observed James Higgins, from Dunmurry, Belfast, fishing in the restricted area and issued a caution. Mr Higgins argued that he was unaware of the ban due to the absence of visible signage in the area.

He also noted that there were no online references indicating the restrictions and presented photographic evidence showing no signs were visible at the location where he was cautioned.

Although prosecutors submitted a map showing where signs should have been, District Judge Oonagh Mullan stressed that clear photographic evidence from the scene was necessary to proceed with the case.

As no such evidence was provided, Judge Mullan dismissed the case due to a lack of proof.