FISHERMEN caught without licences on lakes and waterway across North Yorkshire were handed fines and costs of up to £200 by magistrates.

The Environment Agency brought prosecutions against five fishermen who were found by water bailiffs not to have licences. Northallerton magistrates were told licences are required for rod and line fishing.

Stephen Bradley, 42, from Stockton and Stefan Roy, from Thirsk were ordered to pay £197 in costs and fines after admitting fishing without licences at Sessay, near Thirsk.

Robert Turnbull, 44, from Stockton was found guilty in his absence and ordered to pay £217 for fishing at Sessay.

Christopher Preston, 37 from Northallerton admitted fishing without a licence at Cod Beck, near Thirsk and was ordered to pay £197.

Stuart Whittall, 34, from Hull admitted fishing without a licence at Woodlands, near Thirsk, and was ordered to pay £217.

Cases against three other Stockton men were adjourned.