Northumberland Couple Convicted for Illegally Catching 174 Lobsters

A couple from Northumberland, Charles and Brenda Denton, have been convicted for illegally netting a total of 174 undersized lobsters. The verdict was delivered at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, where the pair faced multiple charges under both national and local fisheries laws.

On January 16, 2025, Mrs. Denton’s fishing vessel, the Andigee WY372, was operating from Blyth harbour. During this time, enforcement officers from the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) conducted joint patrols. They observed that the Dentons were fishing without a valid commercial shellfish permit and using pots that did not adhere to legal standards.

The following day, officers inspected the fishing pots set by Mr. Denton, uncovering 174 lobsters, all measuring below the 87mm minimum conservation reference size. Among these, one lobster was found to be egg-bearing, indicating a breach of regulations regarding the protection of breeding stock. The officers also seized three fleets of illegally set gear, which included a total of 70 pots that lacked the necessary identification markers.

After reviewing evidence provided by four NIFCA enforcement officers and one from the MMO, the Dentons were found guilty of several offences. These included failing to immediately return the undersized lobsters to the sea and fishing within the NIFCA district without a commercial permit.

Previous Offences and Future Sentencing

This is not the first time Charles Denton has faced legal consequences related to fishing activities. In March 2023, he received a 12-month disqualification from holding a NIFCA permit after he was prosecuted for retaining 179 undersized lobsters. Additionally, he has a history of various fisheries-related convictions spanning over 25 years.

The court has scheduled sentencing for early 2026, during which the extent of the penalties will be determined. Nick Weir, the lead enforcement officer for NIFCA, expressed the organization’s commitment to upholding fishery regulations. He stated, “The Authority believes the Dentons’ complete disregard for legislation designed to protect fish stocks is unacceptable.”

Weir emphasized the importance of sustainable fishing practices, stating that fishing in Northumberland is not only economically significant but also vital to the region’s heritage and identity. He affirmed that NIFCA is dedicated to ensuring compliance with regulations to support healthy marine environments and a viable fishing industry for future generations.

The case highlights ongoing efforts by regulatory bodies to maintain the integrity of fisheries and safeguard marine biodiversity against illegal practices.