French trawler impounded

THE Royal Navy impounded a French trawler at Newhaven Harbour for breaking fishing quota laws.

The French vessel Nativite was boarded by crew from HMS Quorn, acting for the Government's Sea Fisheries Inspectorate, for a routine inspection on Monday.

It was found catch quotas and net size regulations had been breached. The skipper appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and was fined 4,400 and ordered to pay 569 costs.

Welcoming the verdict, a Fisheries Ministry spokesperson said: 'The government will resolutely pursue those that flout fisheries law.'

l The Nativite and HMS Quorn are pictured at the East Quay Photo: Brian Martin