Marine crime

SENTENCING | An Isles of Scilly man piloted a 24ft vessel while drunk and collided with another boat causing tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of damage.

Joshua Street, 29, was found by Police the following morning asleep on his boat.

Street, of Bryher, Isles of Scilly, was prosecuted for a boating offence under the Merchant Shipping Act.

He appeared at Truro Magistrates’ Court for sentence on Monday 1 June having pleaded guilty to having committed an act which was likely to have caused the loss or destruction of, or serious damage to, a ship or structure.

Street was fined £1,760 and ordered to pay £16,271 in compensation and costs following the investigation by Devon & Cornwall Police.

The court heard how on the evening of 12 September 2024 at New Grimsby Harbour, Tresco on the Isles of Scilly, a moored vessel belonging to Tresco Island was struck by a 24ft vessel piloted by Street causing significant damage totalling over £55,000 to repair.

Evidence showed Street to be intoxicated at the time - between two to four times the road drink driving limit.

He was found by police the following morning asleep on his boat and arrested.

Investigating officer PC Robin Strickland of St Mary’s Police Station, said: “The Isles of Scilly is a unique community where boating is an essential part of everyday life.

“We encourage those using vessels to have an understanding of basic maritime requirements such as International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and to operate in a responsible and safe way.

“Where it is deemed that behaviour on the water is irresponsible or reckless then the Police and Maritime Coastguard Agency will always seek to deal with matters positively and this prosecution is a demonstration of that commitment.

“I’d also like to thank all those who supported the investigation.”