TWO men have been fined after illegally leaving their boats to decay in Barry Harbour.

Barrie Jon Dawe and Shane Statham had docked boats Morning Dawn and Alisa into Barry Harbour without permission from Vale of Glamorgan Council and left them there allowing them to fall into a “state of disrepair”.

Earlier this year Morning Dawn was removed from the harbour, later followed by Alisa being dismantled and removed.

The Council says they made attempts to ask the pair to remove the boats but received no response, so pursued court proceedings so the vessels could be removed.

Both were found to have breached maritime law.

In the hearing, Mr Dawe was ordered to pay £600 in fines, £50 for each offence, and £620 in legal costs. 

Mr Statham was conditionally discharged regarding the offences as he was not deemed to be the main protagonist, but will also have to pay £620 in legal costs.

Cllr Peter King, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Transport, said: “I am aware of the strength of feeling within the local community regarding these boats and I’m pleased that we have been able to take decisive action in this case.

“These vessels were left to decline in Barry Harbour where they became eyesores and posed an environmental and safety risk."

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He continued: "The Council had to use public funds to have them removed after the owners refused to deal with the matter.
“I hope this sends out a message that the Council will not tolerate such behaviour.

"We will do our utmost to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions and to recoup any associated costs.”

The Council is considering whether to pursue other avenues to recover remaining costs.