Three Surrey boaters have been fined a total of £1,400 after being prosecuted over illegal mooring along the River Thames.

Hearings held at Redhill Magistrates Court on 16 June also saw the group ordered to pay £1,050 in costs.

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The successful prosecutions came after Spelthorne Council received complaints of some boaters persistently mooring in excess of the 24 hours permitted, within a 48-hour period.

On hearing the evidence, Magistrates were satisfied that the three defendants had moored in contravention of Spelthorne’s Byelaws.

Mr Andrew Jones of Bedfont failed to attend court having illegally moored his boat Driftwood 75 at the public mooring adjacent to Dockett Eddy Lane, Shepperton. Mr Jones who committed offences on three specific sets of dates in March and April 2015 was convicted, fined £600 and ordered to pay £450 in legal costs to the council.

Mr Philip Heather of Chertsey also failed to attend court having illegally moored his boat Boleyn Castle at the same public mooring.  Mr Jones who committed offences on two sets of dates in March and April 2015 was convicted, fined £400 and ordered to pay £300 in legal costs to the council.

Mr Leigh Roy Bryant of Isleworth did not appear at court and he was convicted, fined £400 and ordered to pay £300 in legal costs. Mr Bryant had illegally moored his boat St George III at the public mooring at King’s Lawn, Thames Street, Sunbury-on-Thames on two sets of dates in January and March 2015.

Councillor Vivienne Leighton said: “Following last month’s prosecution, this further demonstrates that Spelthorne Council will enforce the mooring byelaw by prosecuting those responsible.

“These three boat owners have been convicted and will have to pay their fines and costs. Enforcement officers continue to monitor the public mooring and the Council is currently progressing further prosecution cases. I trust that this will serve as a strong deterrent to those who moor illegally by exceeding the permitted 24 hours.”