Padstow Fishermen Jailed After Throwing Lobsters Overboard

A routine inspection in Padstow Harbour turned into something Cornwall’s fisheries enforcement team had never seen before. By the time it was over, officers had abandoned the vessel and called the police.

Three men and a teenager have now been sentenced after admitting a string of offences linked to the incident, following an investigation by the Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA), a committee of Cornwall Council.

What happened on board the Amber Mabel

On April 25, 2025, Cornwall IFCA officers boarded the Padstow-based potting vessel Amber Mabel PW21 shortly after it returned to Padstow Harbour.

The Amber Mabel was skippered by Ashley Rescorla and crewed by three other fishermen, including Andrew Prout and a teenager who cannot be named for legal reasons. Garry Ellis, a maintenance engineer, was also aboard to carry out repairs while the vessel was alongside in the harbour.

Officers were stopped from doing their lawful job of inspecting the catch when the entire haul of lobsters stored on deck was thrown overboard by the skipper and a crewman. Officers suspected berried female lobsters were among the catch but could not hold on to any of them for closer analysis.

They were then subjected to verbal abuse and threatening behaviour. Fearing for their safety, the officers left the vessel and contacted the police.

The sentences handed down at Truro Crown Court

After entering guilty pleas at a previous hearing, the three men were sentenced at Truro Crown Court on June 18, 2026.

Ashley Rescorla, aged 40, of Padstow, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and received a 15-month immediate custodial sentence.

Andrew Prout, aged 36, of Dartmouth, pleaded guilty to affray and received a two-month immediate custodial sentence.

Garry Ellis, aged 44, of St Austell, pleaded guilty to threatening, abusive, or insulting words and behaviour and received a one-month custodial sentence suspended for 12 months.

The teenage crewmate also pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. At an earlier hearing at Youth Court, he was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £220 in costs and surcharge.

“The worst that has ever been experienced”

Simon Cadman, the Principal Enforcement Officer for Cornwall IFCA, said the behaviour of those on board during the inspection was the worst his officers had ever dealt with.

“I can only assume that the master and crew knew they had illegal lobsters on board and believed that if they prevented them from being inspected, they could avoid an investigation and the potential for legal proceedings,” he said. “They may not have considered that a conviction for perverting the course of justice or public order offences could lead to a more severe sentence, including imprisonment.”

Simon Cadman added that the authority would continue to act against anyone who obstructed its officers. “Cornwall IFCA will not tolerate illegal and unreasonable behaviour that prevents its officers from carrying out their statutory duties. Perpetrators will be investigated and brought to justice for their indefensible conduct.”

He said he hoped his officers would never face a situation like it again, and that the action taken would put off anyone tempted to behave the same way during future inspections.

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