Killybegs fisherman allegedly under-recorded catch on two occasions

A Killybegs fisherman has been sent forward to the circuit court on two counts of alleged under-recording of catch. 

Gerard McHugh of Greenhills, Fintra, Killybegs was before Donegal District Court on Monday, September 22. It is alleged that on January 7, 2023, being Master of Irish sea fishing boat Antarctic D97, he failed to l to comply with the requirement of Articles 14 and 15 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 by failing to accurately record data in the logbook by under-recording the quantity of catch of herring onboard, in contravention of Regulation 5 of Sea-Fisheries (Community Control System) Regulations 2016 (Statutory Instrument No 54 of 2016). 

He faces a further charge under the same legislation for allegedly under-recording horse mackerel on January 1, 2022.

Both charges are contrary to Section 14 of the Sea-fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006.

Garda Claire Ramsey gave evidence of serving McHugh with the book of evidence.

State solicitor for Donegal, Kieran Dillon told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) consented to the defendant being sent forward for trial to the next sitting of Donegal Circuit Court sitting in Letterkenny and commencing on December 9.

“She also consents to the defendant going forward on a signed plea,” said Mr Dillon.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham sent the defendant forward on a bond of €200.