Man Gets Four Months’ Imprisonment, Suspended For Two Years, For Taking Lobsters When Season Was Closed

By Alric Lindsay

David Eugene Coe appeared in the Summary Court today, July 30, 2025, to be sentenced for the possession of an unlicensed speargun, taking lobsters during the closed season and doing so with a speargun.

According to statements made in court, Coe was witnessed removing six to seven lobsters with a spear gun at Starfish Point when lobster season was closed. His attorney suggested that it was for “personal use.”

Commenting on Coe’s actions, the Chief Magistrate said:

The National Conservation Law was… put in force to promote and secure the biological diversity and the sustainable use of our natural resources.

What we have here is that you were you were witnessed removing six to seven lobsters with a spear gun.

You had a hook stick and it was during [the] closed season.

The Chief Magistrate added:

The sad thing about it is that it was right where tourists go every single day…Starfish point.

…if everyone sees the blatant disregard for our laws being exhibited like that in broad daylight in the presence of others, and what does that say?

It says you don’t care.

You don’t care about the fact that you are essentially killing our environment because that’s what you’re doing when you take things outside of closed season.

You’re killing our environment and you’re exhibiting a total lack of respect for the laws.

In the circumstances, the Chief Magistrate sentenced Coe to four months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.  If Coe commits another crime during this period, he may go to prison.

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