Aquarium fish thief could catch a jail break

BASS thief Matthew Clark will learn next month if he is to be spared a prison sentence after stealing the fish from the Aquarium and using it to claim the top prize in a fishing competition.

Clark, 29, of Flat 1, Les Ormes, Roland Road, St Sampson's, changed his plea and admitted the burglary when he appeared in the Magistrate's Court yesterday.

He had previously admitted a charge of making a false representation by entering 13lb 13oz fish in a Bailiwick Bass Club competition to win the first prize of £800.

Judge Philip Robey said it was possible that, after hearing the facts during the planned sentencing hearing, he would deal with the matter by way of a community service order.

Both offences were committed on 9 July.

After consultation with counsel and the defendant, a Probation Service representative advised the court that a social inquiry report would be beneficial.