Ben Thomas achieves successful reduction in fine on behalf of a Master of a Fishing Vessel in North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority prosecution.
Park Square Barristers“The Appellant. the Master of a Fishing Vessel and had pleaded guilty to four offences relating to landing of lobsters that were not permitted. He appeared unrepresented in the Magistrates’ Court and was fined a total of £30 000, made up of a fine of £7 500 on each charge.
The Appellant obtained legal representation, appealed the sentence, and Ben Thomas was instructed to represent him. Upon instruction Ben advised that one of the charges to which the Appellant had pleaded guilty had been repealed four years previously. An application was drafted by Ben to appeal that conviction and following submission of that application, the Respondent indicated they would not oppose the appeal conviction.
At the Appeal Hearing on Friday 4th October 2024, Ben made submissions regarding the correct approach to calculating fines, when the Prosecution had chosen to prosecute the Master, as opposed to the Owner of the vessel. The Court accepted those submissions and they reduced the total fine, for the three remaining charges to £2 372.
Ben was instructed by Andrew Oliver of Andrew Jackson Solicitors.
Ben Thomas is regularly instructed in prosecutions for fisheries offences, including those brought by the Marine Management Organisation, Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities, and the Environment Agency.”
‘’Ben is extremely analytical and always has a thorough grasp on the factors of a case. An extremely personable junior.’ Legal 500 (2025)
Ben is tenacious, approachable, and detail oriented. A persuasive advocate in court.’ Legal 500 (2024)
Ben is a specialist Regulatory and Public Law Barrister. He has significant experience of prosecuting and defending prosecutions brought by the Environment Agency & The Health and Safety Executive under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and is also regularly instructed by local authorities to advise on prosecution, and to conduct cases on their behalf, covering the full breadth of their work. These have included health and safety offences, food hygiene breaches, environmental and planning offences. He is often instructed pre-charge to advise on prosecution and on investigations.
Should you wish to discuss any aspect of Ben’s practice please contact his clerks
Contact Ben’s clerks
Madeleine Gray on 0113 202 8603
Patrick Urbina on 0113 213 5250