Two Castletown men have admitted breaching Manx fishing regulations.

Iain David Quine, aged 53, of Malew Street, and Robert Michael Quine, aged 57, of Hope Street, exceeded the number of lobster and crab pots allowed for a boat.

The regulations state that there is a maximum number of pots per licence of 500, of which up to 300 can be used within a three-mile limit.

However, the Quines’ vessel, the Nancy Ellen (CT58) was found to be 260 pots over the limit.

Both men pleaded guilty to two counts of a fishing for lobster and crab offence with a third count withdrawn by the prosecution in light of the guilty pleas.

The maximum fine for the offence, which took place on April 9, is £100,000.

The two men will be sentenced on July 16.

Advocate Peter Russell, who represented both men, asked for an adjournment so he could obtain business accounts for the defendants as well as references, written mitigation, and some background, before sentencing.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes accepted jurisdiction saying that her court powers would be sufficient for sentencing.