nifca news spring 2026
Fishermen sentenced following repeated fisheries offences involving illegal lobster pots around Holy Island
District Judge Meek found both defendants guilty in January 2026, describing them and their witnesses as “untruthful” in an “attempt to hide the defendants’ guilt.” At a further hearing on 28 April 2026, both men pleaded guilty to four additional offences uncovered during NIFCA’s 2025 investigation. The court heard that two further fleets of improperly marked lobster pots were seized in the Holy Island area in August and October 2025, with monitoring data again linking the defendants’ vessels to the gear. Judge Meek sentenced Shaun Brigham to pay fines and costs totalling £28,842.60 and Richard Ward £26,425.
On Tuesday, 28 April 2026, at Newcastle Magistrates Court, Shaun Brigham and Richard Ward, both of Holy Island, were sentenced for breaches of local fisheries legislation. The prosecution, brought by NIFCA, followed offences involving the use of untagged lobster pots in contravention of Authority byelaws designed to protect local marine resources. During a trial in December 2025, the court heard that in August 2024 Mr Brigham and Mr Ward had fished with pots that were not fitted with the required commercial permit tags, resulting in their seizure. Inshore Vessel Monitoring System data showed the defendants’ vessels, Freedom B BK532 and Sophy Rose BK533, attending the gear shortly before seizure.
She said she had seriously considered disqualifying the pair from holding NIFCA permits, but took into account the impact on the Holy Island community. Nick Weir, Lead Enforcement Officer for NIFCA, said: “NIFCA welcomes the court’s sentencing in this case. Shaun Brigham and Richard Ward deliberately and repeatedly breached legislation designed to protect vital local shellfish stocks for their own financial gain. “What is particularly concerning is that these offences continued even while they were under investigation, showing a clear disregard for both the law and the sustainability of the marine environment.”
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