Newbiggin couple convicted of breaching fisheries legislation

Charles ‘Michael’ Denton and Brenda Denton, of Atlee Terrace, were convicted of four offences at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on November 20.

This related to incidents in January 2025 when Mrs Denton’s fishing vessel was observed fishing without a permit and later found to be retaining prohibited shellfish.

The case was brought against Mr and Mrs Denton by the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) who manage the inshore fishery.

During the trial, Howard Shaw of Park Square Barristers, prosecuting on behalf of NIFCA, informed the court that on January 16, 2025 Mrs Denton’s vessel, the Andigee WY372 fishing from Blyth harbour, with her husband Michael acting as Master, was observed fishing within the NIFCA district using pots without a valid commercial shellfish permit.

On a joint sea patrol on January 17, Enforcement Officers from NIFCA and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) inspected pots set by Mr Denton and found 174 lobsters that measured below the minimum conservation reference size of 87mm, one of which was egg bearing, deliberately stored inside for later collection.

The Enforcement Officers seized three illegally set fleets of gear comprising of 70 pots, one of these fleets, which also contained the stored undersize lobsters, was not displaying compulsory information on its surface markers.

Sentencing was adjourned to early 2026.

Previously, in March 2023, Mr Denton received a 12-month disqualification from holding a NIFCA permit after being prosecuted and fined by the Authority for retaining 179 undersize lobsters and was convicted of failing to comply with fisheries officers in 2022.

Nick Weir, Lead Enforcement Officer for NIFCA, stated: “The Authority believes the Dentons complete disregard for legislation designed to protect fish stocks is unacceptable. Fishing in Northumberland is both economically significant and socially integral to our local heritage and identity.

“Our byelaws, together with national legislation, are designed to balance the social, environmental, and economic interests of our stakeholders, supporting healthy marine environments, sustainable fishing practices, and a viable industry for future generations.

“To this end, NIFCA is committed to taking appropriate action against any individuals who compromise the health of the fishery or fail to comply with our officers and relevant legislation.”