Thursday 29 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. 8981Misrecording of fishing catch data (fisheries regulation offence) · Co. Donegal · 31 Oct 2024

Killybegs fisherman pleads not guilty to mackerel misrecording charge

Jens Bach, a Killybegs fisherman and master of the Irish seafishing boat Western Endeavour, has been charged with misrecording the quantity of mackerel catch in the fishing logbook, an alleged offence on October 31, 2024. The charge is a fisheries regulation offence and no victim is named in the sources. On June 22, 2026, at Donegal District Court held at Ballyshannon Courthouse, Bach pleaded not guilty and elected for trial by judge and jury in the circuit court. The case was adjourned to September 28 so the state solicitor can prepare the Book of Evidence, which is the latest development.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court22 Jun
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Jens Bach, a Killybegs fisherman, pleaded not guilty to a charge related to the alleged misrecording of a mackerel catch.
Where
The case was heard at Donegal District Court, held at Ballyshannon Courthouse, County Donegal.
When
The alleged offence took place on October 31, 2024.
Charges
  • Bach was charged as master of the Irish seafishing boat Western Endeavour, described as a union fishing vessel.
  • The charge alleges he failed to accurately record data in the fishing logbook by misrecording the quantity of mackerel catch onboard.
  • The charge is a fisheries regulation offence concerning misrecording of fishing catch data.
In court
  • When Judge Éiteáin Cunningham read the charge, Bach said 'Not Guilty'.
  • Bach told the judge he elected for trial by judge and jury in the circuit court.
  • The case was adjourned to September 28.
Investigation
The state solicitor is to prepare the Book of Evidence.
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA Killybegs fisherman pleaded not guilty to a charge related to the alleged misrecording of a mackerel catch. (donegallive.ie)
  • whereThe case was heard at Donegal District Court, held at Ballyshannon Courthouse. (donegallive.ie)
  • whenThe alleged offence took place on October 31, 2024. (donegallive.ie)
  • investigationThe state solicitor is to prepare the Book of Evidence. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeBach was charged as master of the Irish seafishing boat Western Endeavour, a union fishing vessel. (donegallive.ie)
  • chargeThe charge alleges failure to accurately record data in the fishing logbook by misrecording the quantity of mackerel catch onboard. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtBach told the judge he elected for trial by judge and jury in the circuit court. (donegallive.ie)
  • courtThe case was adjourned until September 28. (donegallive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 22 Jun2026
    In courtdonegallive.ie, first report
    Killybegs fisherman pleads not guilty to mackerel 'misrecording'

    Court report on the not guilty plea of Jens Bach, master of the fishing vessel Western Endeavour, to a charge of misrecording the quantity of mackerel catch in the logbook. The case is adjourned to September 28 for the Book of Evidence.

    accused, Jens Bach, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Jens Bach