Suspended jail sentence for abalone offenders
Friday, 26 September 2003

Two men have been given suspended jail sentences today in the Supreme Court as a result of being found guilty of a number of abalone related fisheries offences.

Daniel Tebecis (40), a labourer of Beachport and Russell Alan Walker (39), unemployed of Perth were found guilty of taking more than the prescribed quantity of abalone, taking abalone without a licence and taking abalone for sale at 5 Mile Rock, just north of Beachport in February 2001.

Both men were given a 15-month jail sentence with a minimum non-parol period of 10 months. The jail sentence was suspended on both entering a three-year good behaviour bond. In addition, both men were fined $5,000 each plus court costs of $2,500 each. The two men also had to forfeit the illegal catch and diving equipment.

A condition of the good behaviour bond is that neither of the men is to go within 100 metres of any coastal waters of the State or within 200 metres of any coastal waters of the State while in possession of or in the company of anyone in possession of any diving equipment.

In handing down the sentence Mr Gumpl SM said the general and particular deterrent aspect of sentencing in this type of case has to be of paramount importance for the protection of the State’s natural resources.

He added that individuals who seek to compromise our fishing resources for personal gain outside parameters set by the law will necessarily pay a heavy price whether or not they fully comprehend or give thought to the long term ramifications of their actions.

Manager Compliance Operations, Ms Helen Croft said the guilty verdict was a pleasing outcome and highlighted the good work being undertaken by PIRSA fisheries officers to combat illegal fishing. After observing the movements of the two men Fisheries Officers found 35 kilograms of abalone, valued at more than $5,500 hidden in a cave.

"Our fish stocks are valuable and illegal activity has the potential to damage their long term sustainability. The message to those considering breaking the law is clear. We will do everything in our power to catch and successfully prosecute those who choose to take a risk and ignore the rules," Ms Croft said.

Media Contact: Helen Croft, Manager Compliance Operations, 0409 419 662