Night Vision Fishing Fiasco: Two Leeds Men Banned for Five Years
Illegal Fishing Spree Ends in Court
Two men caught fishing illegally while wearing night vision goggles have been slapped with five-year criminal behaviour orders. Luke Douglas, 22, and Layton Janes, 28, were caught red-handed at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve near Retford on 2 February 2024.
Officers from the Bassetlaw neighbourhood policing team had been tipped off about illegal fishing at the private reserve, which is clearly marked with no-fishing signs. At around 8pm, police found the pair fishing without permission, breaking the law again despite previous warnings.
Desperate Escape and Blunt Admission
Janes was caught with fishing rods and tried to flee by running through a field full of livestock — including pregnant ewes. When he returned to his car, he confessed: “I thought we would get away with it this time.”
Meanwhile, Douglas had fishing rods set up by the lake and was operating a bait boat on the water.
Harsh Penalties for Repeat Offenders
The duo, both from Leeds, faced Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 23 May 2024 where they pleaded guilty to unlawfully attempting to take fish. They received five-year criminal behaviour orders banning them from entering Idle Valley Nature Reserve and Clumber Park. They’re also prohibited from fishing or even possessing fishing gear anywhere in the Bassetlaw district until 2029.
Janes’ order also bans him from possessing a drone on Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust property. Fines were handed down too — £320 for Janes and £160 for Douglas.
Police Praise Team Effort Against Wildlife Crime
Inspector Hayley Crawford, District Commander for Bassetlaw, hailed PC Hollie Marsh for the excellent work, saying: “Hollie is a brilliant officer passionate about combatting rural and wildlife crime.”
“These orders send a clear signal to deter illegal fishing. Fish theft isn’t victimless — it hits local businesses, livelihoods, and the environment hard,” she added.
“Janes and Douglas had multiple cautions before but showed no respect for the law, ignoring every warning sign on this private land. We will keep working with partners to protect wildlife and crackdown on offenders.”
