NIFCA successfully prosecutes Holy Island fisherman for illegal lobster pots

On Tuesday, 28 April 2026, at Newcastle Magistrates Court, Shaun Brigham and Richard Ward, both residents of Holy Island, appeared before the court to face sentencing for breaches of local fisheries legislation.

The court found both individuals guilty of violating regional regulations designed to protect marine resources. As a result, both Brigham and Ward were issued fines for their actions, which contravened the laws established to ensure the sustainability of local fisheries.

The prosecution was brought against Mr Brigham and Mr Ward by the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) who manage the fishery along the North Tyneside and Northumberland Coast.

During a trial in December 2025, Howard Shaw KC of Park Square Barristers representing NIFCA told the court that in August 2024, Mr Brigham and Ward had fished with pots that were not affixed with the required tags stipulated in Authority byelaws resulting in their seizure.

Inshore Vessel Monitoring Systems data showed the defendant’s vessels the Freedom B BK532 and Sophy Rose BK533 attending the gear in the days immediately prior to the seizure. Evidence was also given of a 2021 conversation between Fisheries Officers and Mr Brigham in which he explained his illegal fishing activity, the financial risks versus rewards of doing so and his planned defence if caught.

District Judge Meek found both defendants guilty in January 2026, describing them and their witnesses in her judgement as “untruthful” in an “attempt to hide the defendants’ guilt.”

At the hearing on the 28^th of April, Mr Brigham and Mr Ward pleaded guilty to four further offences discovered by NIFCA whilst the pair were under investigation in 2025.

District Judge Meek heard that on the 19^th of August 2025 and 15^th of October 2025 two fleets of lobster pots were seized by NIFCA in the Holy Island area that were not correctly identified and did not have the required commercial permit tags attached. Again, Inshore Vessel Monitoring System data showed the defendants vessel attending the gear immediately prior to its seizure.

Judge Meek sentenced Shaun Brigham to pay fines and costs of £28,842.60 and Richard Ward £26,425. She stated that she had given serious consideration to disqualifying the defendants from holding NIFCA permits however had taken into consideration the impact such a disqualification would have on the Holy Island community.

Nick Weir, Lead Enforcement Officer for Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, 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.

“Our byelaws are in place to balance economic opportunity with the urgent need to safeguard our fisheries for the long term. We will continue to take robust action against anyone who undermines that balance through illegal activity.”