Recovery of fines8
1
Where a fine is imposed by a magistrates' court in England and Wales or Northern Ireland on the master, owner or charterer of a fishing vessel who is convicted by the court of an offence under regulation 6, the court may—
a
issue a warrant of distress against the vessel and its gear and catch and any property of the person convicted for the purpose of levying the amount of the fine; and
b
order the vessel to be detained for a period not exceeding three months from the date of the conviction or until the fine is paid or the amount of the fine is levied in pursuance of any such warrant, whichever occurs first.
2
Where a fine is imposed by a sheriff in Scotland on the master, owner or charterer of a fishing vessel who is convicted by the sheriff of an offence under regulation 6, the sheriff may—
a
issue a warrant for the arrestment and sale of the vessel and its gear and catch and any property of the person convicted; and
b
order the vessel to be detained for a period not exceeding three months from the date of the conviction or until the fine is paid, whichever occurs first.
3
Sections 77(1) and 78 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 19805 (postponement of issue of, and defects in, warrants of distress) shall apply to a warrant of distress issued under this regulation in England and Wales as they apply to a warrant of distress issued under Part III of that Act.
4
Articles 114(2) and 154 of the Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 19816 (postponement of issue of certain warrants and objections as to want of form or variance between complaint etc and evidence adduced) shall apply to a warrant of distress issued under this regulation in Northern Ireland as it applies to a warrant referred to in those articles.