A COUNTYWIDE clampdown on illegal fishing has landed a number of anglers in court.

At least four men who fished without licences in Gloucestershire earlier this year have been hauled before Cheltenham magistrates and fined or ordered to pay costs.

Gareth Buckley, 29, of Bucklebury Close, Swindon was caught fishing without a licence on May 1 this year at Wickwater Lakes, South Cerney.

He admitted the offence and was fined £65 and ordered to pay £127.47 costs.

Stewart Corbiere, 28, of Four Acres Close, Bristol was found to be fishing without a licence at Neigh Bridge Country Park, Somerford Keynes on May 1.

The case against him was proved in absence and he was fined £220 and also ordered to pay £127.47 costs.

Jay Groves, 26, of Summerlea, Priston, Bristol was also fined £220 with £127.47 costs for the same offence at the country park on the same occasion. The case was also proved in absence.

Michael Wedler, 32, of Stearman Road, Brockworth was given a six-month conditional discharge after he pleaded guilty to fishing for freshwater fish in the close season at Bredon, on the River Avon, on May 7.

He also admitted fishing without a licence and was ordered to pay £127.47 prosecution costs.