A FISHERMAN was fined £350 for angling without a £19 rod licence - one of the highest penalties for the offence.

Jason Rosam, 22, of Beryton Road, Gosport, was convicted in his absence after he failed to appear at Fareham Magistrates' Court in response to a summons. He did not contact the court in any manner and was also ordered to pay £75 costs.

He was discovered fishing without a licence at Carron Row, Fareham, in June.

The case was prosecuted by the Environment Agency and, after the hearing, regional fisheries officer Tim Harrison welcomed the heavy fine as a big step in helping protect river fish stocks.