TWO men have been fined after they were caught fishing illegally in Appleton Reservoir.

Krzysztof Bialoboki and Ireneusz Bialoboki where both found guilty of fishing without a rod licence, after being prosecuted by the Environment Agency at Warrington Magistrates Court on Thursday.

They were told to pay £534 after catching five perch on July 10 last year.

Members of Warrington Anglers Association Club had reported them.

Ian Wood, fisheries officer for the Environment Agency, said: “People who dodge the licence fees cheat fellow anglers of vital investment into their sport. Money from rod licence sales is ploughed directly back into improving facilities and getting more people out fishing, protecting vulnerable fish stocks and habitat improvements."

To report fish crime call the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.