Italian admits illegal fishing after plea agreement

The master of a Sicilian fishing boat today admitted to illegal fishing in Maltese fishing grounds and was fined €35,000. The fishing boat Maria Salvatrice was intercepted by an AFM patrol boat last week and escorted to Malta. Dr Manuel Mallia, defence...

The master of a Sicilian fishing boat today admitted to illegal fishing in Maltese fishing grounds and was fined €35,000.

The fishing boat Maria Salvatrice was intercepted by an AFM patrol boat last week and escorted to Malta.

Dr Manuel Mallia, defence lawyer for the master, told the court today that last Friday his client had a meeting at the Attorney General's office which was attended by representatives of the AG's Office, the Police, the Fisheries Department and the AFM and agreement was reached after a lengthy debate that if he was to file a guilty plea the fine would be €35,000, without confiscation of the boat.

Magistrate Lawrence Quintano in view of the plea and the agreement fined the master €35,000.

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