A MAN has been fined for his involvement in an accident on the River Dee in which two people were injured.
Martin Finch, 30, had been ordered by the River Patrol to take his motorboat off the water on August 26 last year as he did not have a licence.
But he didn’t comply with the order and two men were later injured in an accident near Sandy Lane.
Finch, of Grappenhall Road, Ellesmere Port, was found guilty in his absence at West Cheshire Magistrates’ Court of breaching a bylaw which requires powered boats on the Dee to be licensed by Cheshire West and Chester Council.
He was fined £200 – the maximum allowed under the byelaw – and was ordered to pay £180 costs.
A spokesman for Cheshire West and Chester Council said after the hearing: “Using a vessel on the Dee at Chester can be a pleasurable experience.
“However, the Dee is a very busy river used by numerous clubs, pleasure craft and members of the public.
“The council operates a safety patrol boat at peak times to monitor compliance with the river bylaws and to promote safe use of the river.
“River users are reminded to take care on the river, be aware of the bylaws and ensure they have a valid licence for any powered boat.”
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service attended the accident. Four fire engines, a rescue boat and line rescue unit were sent to the river but none of the casualties were in the water.
Two men were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
l BOATING licences are available from Cheshire West and Chester Council’s licensing team on 0300 123 8 123. Bylaws and other safety information can be found on the council’s website.