Saturday 31 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 18002Under-recording of herring catch (fisheries regulation offence) · Co. Donegal · 13 Oct 2021

Fishing boat skipper sent for trial over under-recording herring catch

A Killybegs fishing boat skipper was charged with under-recording his herring catch in the vessel's logbook. The alleged under-recording occurred on 13 October 2021 aboard the Irish sea fishing boat Antarctic. Gerard McHugh of Greenhills, Fintra, Killybegs, the vessel's master, is the accused. On 6 March 2024, he appeared at Donegal District Court where the book of evidence was served and Judge Deirdre Gearty sent him forward for trial to Donegal Circuit Court commencing 12 March 2024 in Letterkenny.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court6 Mar
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The accused is charged with failing to accurately record data in the fishing logbook by under-recording his catch of herring above 50 kg of live weight.
Where
The vessel involved is the Irish sea fishing boat Antarctic, port registration D97, and the accused is based in Killybegs, County Donegal.
When
The alleged under-recording occurred on 13 October 2021.
Cause
The offence is in contravention of Regulation 5 of the Sea Fisheries (Community Control System) Regulations 2016, contrary to Section 14 of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006.
Investigation
The book of evidence was served on the defendant by arrangement on the morning of the court appearance.
In court
On 6 March 2024, Judge Deirdre Gearty at Donegal District Court sent the defendant forward for trial to Donegal Circuit Court commencing 12 March 2024 in Letterkenny.
Other details
Gerard McHugh of Greenhills, Fintra, Killybegs is the accused and master of the vessel.
7 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatHe is charged with failing to accurately record data in the fishing logbook by under-recording his catch of herring above 50 kg of live weight. (donegallive.ie)
  • whenThe alleged under-recording occurred on 13 October 2021. (donegallive.ie)
  • investigationThe book of evidence was served on the defendant by arrangement on the morning of the court appearance. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeThe offence is in contravention of Regulation 5 of the Sea Fisheries (Community Control System) Regulations 2016, contrary to Section 14 of the Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act, 2006. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtJudge Deirdre Gearty sent the defendant forward for trial on the single charge. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherGerard McHugh of Greenhills, Fintra, Killybegs is the accused. (donegallive.ie)
  • otherThe vessel involved is the Irish sea fishing boat Antarctic, port registration number D97. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 6 Mar2024
    In courtdonegallive.ie, first report
    Fishing boat skipper in court on charge of under-recording herring catch

    First report of the case: McHugh appeared at Donegal District Court, was served with the book of evidence, and was sent forward for trial to Donegal Circuit Court commencing 12 March 2024 in Letterkenny.

    accused, Gerard McHugh, male, named, irish (judged from name)Gerard McHugh