A Spanish trawler captain accused of fishing offences was returned for trial to the Central Criminal Court on March 19th when he appeared at a special court sitting in Cobh, Co Cork, over the weekend.
Mr Augustin Otero Pastoriza, master of the trawler, Manufe, was arrested by the Naval Service 85 miles south of Galley Head, off the Cork coast, on Thursday. He pleaded not guilty to charges of having undersized fish on board.
Remanding Mr Pastoriza on continuing bail, Judge John Clifford ordered the forfeiture of the catch, valued at £11,500, as well as the gear, which the court was told was worth £22,000. The State has yet to assess the value of the Spanish registered vessel.
A second Spanish trawler was detained by the Naval Service at the weekend in the Fastnet area and escorted to Castletownbere.