A Kilkeel boatr owner was convicted at Newry Magistrates Court for a number of fisheries offences including landing crab claws
Today at Newry Magistrates Court (21st Ovtober 20024 Mr. Darren McKee (31) of Brackenagh West Road, Kilkeel, Co. Down, skipper and owner of fishing vessel N370 Aaron, pleaded guilty to landing 236 detached crab claws, obstructing or impeding a British Sea-Fishery officer, and failing to comply with the request of a British Sea-Fishery Officer. He was fined a total of £2,015.
On the 8 April 2024 fishing vessel N370 Aaron landed its catch for the day onto Kilkeel harbour where the catch was inspected by a British Sea-Fishery Officer from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
During the inspection a fish box was observed containing crab claws, with other items placed over it to obstruct the crab claws from being easily identified.
Mr McKee drove off despite agreeing to complete a full inspection in his store.
Mr McKee then placed other items observed from the initial inspection into a lockable cage and drove off a second time not enabling an inspection to take place.
On accessing the cage, the Officer discovered another container which contained more crab claws.
