Was this sentence too draconian?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail....poaching-sixties.html

No this didn't happen in Dickens's time, but in the 21st century.

Should any person have the right to own a stretch of natural waterway?

[Old_Geezer]

No doubt according to the letter of the law the ban still held and breaking it was known to trigger a gaol sentance. Authorities are not well known for applying common sense and deciding something different to that laid down in the book.

Why wouldn't someone be able to own a stretch of waterway ? The principle of owning part of the world is widely accepted. Many folk own the land their house is built on. If you question waterways then surely you must question owning any natural resource. Sauce for the goose and all that.

[sinderella]

was he training the child to become a poacher?

[venator]

You can easily pay over £10,000 for a fortnight's fishing rights -
http://www.fishpal.co.../FisheriesForSale.asp

If the same nice old gent had stolen a £10,000 car, would we have the same sympathy?

Do we think this was the first and only time he'd poached fish - really?

[shoota]

Deliberately ignoring such a ban could be construed as sticking two fingers up to the court, I'm sure that would have influenced his sentencing.

[venator]

Having said that, there are lots of young people who have criminal records with many twoc's (taking without owner's consent). Once they've been up in court for 3 or 4, there's nothing the law can do to them.

[bigbadmarty]

I can just imagine the high sherrif and his cronies being treated to a nice day on the river surrounded by sycophantic lackeys on the strength of this.
Reminds me of Billy Cunnolly's tale of highland trespass :-
The Laird : " Get off my land "
Old man : " Hows it yours ? "
TL : " My ancestors fought and died for this land "
OM : "Well get off your horse , rol up your sleeves and we'll have a square go ..."

[anotheoldgit]

This site never fails to amaze me.

I thought I was on a safe bet at gaining some support, by posting such a story on what is primary a 'left thinking site'.

But how wrong I was, I never thought that the 'big bad baron' (the aristocracy) would be supported by the 'caring for our fellow man types', for coming down on a poor old 'working class' chap, trying to grab a morsel for his supper.

Perhaps he would have gathered much more support had he gathered up a gang, and smashed in the windows of a fishmongers?

[jomifl]

The ownership of fishing rights does protect the fish population, If fishing rights didn't exist the UK part of the atlantic salmon popuation would have been extinct over a century ago.

[McMouse]

//Should any person have the right to own a stretch of natural waterway?//
Why not if it flows through your land and you manage and stock the fishery.