Rock lobster fisher pleads guilty
Tuesday 10 July, 2007

A Mount Gambier man pleaded guilty to and was convicted of three fisheries related charges in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court last week.

Percy Gordon Plunkett, (60) of Mount Gambier pleaded guilty to being, on 17 November last year, in possession of 19 rock lobster - four more than the prescribed limit. Of these 11 were undersized. He also pleaded guilty and was convicted of using abusive and insulting language to a Fisheries Officer.

As a result, he was given 240 hours community service and an additional penalty of $1,879.20. Forfeiture of the rock lobster was confirmed.

The Court case resulted from information provided to PIRSA Fisheries Officers by SAPOL Officers.

In thanking SAPOL Mount Gambier, PIRSA Manager Compliance Services, Mr Paul Tatarelli says SAPOL Officers, as part of their normal duty, are on the look out for any evidence indicating illegal fishing activity.

“Where possible they will act on the information or pass it on to Fisheries Officers to deal with, as was the case this time,” he said.

“All fishers need to be aware that as with other law enforcement agencies the use of abusive and insulting language to Fisheries Officers is also an offence.”