Father and son fined for attacking water bailiffs

A father and son attacked officers, striking one in the face and poking one in the eye, after being asked to show fishing licences.

The water bailiffs had approached the pair at Poole Hall Fishery in Shropshire but they had refused to give their details.

Andrew Bowman, 44, and Sidney Bowman, 75, both of Cross Place in Dudley, admitted charges of assault and fishing without a licence. Andrew Bowman also admitted two charges of obstructing a water bailiff.

They were ordered to pay fines and costs of more than £12,000 following the incident in 2023.

The Environment Agency said Andrew Bowman assaulted one officer by striking him in the face after the bailiffs said they were removing their fishing gear for evidence.

Sidney Bowman then assaulted the officer by attempting to grab his chest and in doing so poked him in the eye with flailing arms.

Sidney Bowman was sentenced by Telford magistrates last year and ordered to pay a £660 fine for assault, £146 for fishing without a licence, a victim's surcharge of £322 and costs of £4,000.

Andrew Bowman was sentenced by the same court on 25 April and was told to pay a £488 fine for assault, £146 for fishing without a licence, a victim surcharge of £253 and costs of £6,000.

He was also ordered to pay £50 compensation to one of the water bailiffs he assaulted.

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