Mackerel fraud – seventh man charged

A SEVENTH man has been charged in connection with allegations of illegal fish landings thought to be valued at around £50 million in Shetland more than four years ago.

Today (Tuesday) the joint skipper of the Fraserburgh registered pelagic trawler Hamish Forbes Slater appeared in private at Lerwick Sheriff Court, where he was charged with fraud and attempted fraud.

The 51 year old, whose address was given as Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, made no plea or declaration and was released on bail pending further investigation.

Slater joins fellow Enterprise skipper Victor Buschini, aged 49, of Hambleton, Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire, on the charge.

Last month charges of fraud and defeating the ends of justice were laid in private at the same court against Shetland Catch managing director Simon Leiper, aged 40, of South Whiteness, Shetland, and his predecessor Derek Leask, aged 44, of Kallibrig, Weisdale, Shetland.

Three pelagic trawler skippers from the Shetland island of Whalsay were charged with fraud on 28 January – 64 year old skipper of the Charisma David Hutchison, of Symbister; 66 year old John Irvine, of Braeside; and 61 year old Allister Irvine, of Symbister, both skippers of the Sapphire.

In September 2005 police and fisheries officers swooped on the Shetland Catch factory, in Lerwick, and the Fresh Catch factory, in Peterhead, following a lengthy investigation by the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency.