MONTEGO BAY, St James — A fisherman who told the court he unsuccessfully tried to renew his licence but took a chance to go to sea without it, as he needed to feed his family, received a stern warning and was fined $10,000.

Errol Reid recently appeared before Judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce, charged with fishing without a licence. He pleaded guilty to the charge but offered an explanation for his actions.

“I went to the fishing place before the licence expired. When I got there, the lady who was supposed to update my licence was on leave,” he told the court.

Reid explained that he was instructed to return at a later date. He said he visited on a Friday and was expected to return the next Monday, but because fishing was his livelihood and his means of providing for his family, he decided to go out fishing that Monday.

He said he was transporting the fish along River Bay Road in Montego Bay when he encountered the police.

Judge Grant-Pryce reminded Reid of the seriousness of the offence and the escalating penalties for repeat offenders.

“Mr Reid, the fine for fishing without a licence is very heavy. For the first time that you come to court, it’s $1 million and then it goes up by an additional $1 million. So, if you come back here, it will be $2 million for the fine,” she warned.

She used an everyday example to explain the importance of being licensed.

“When we apply for a visa, we have to wait until we get the visa. We cannot go to the airport until we get the visa. Until you get the licence, you cannot fish. Do not do it,” Judge Grant-Pryce warned Reid.

She showed compassion and restraint in handing out his punishment.

“I understand that it’s your bread and butter, sir, so today you are going to pay a measly fine. If you come back here, sir, you will have to come back with $2 million,” she warned.

Reid was ordered to pay a fine of $10,000 or face 10 days in jail.