Doug Vickery fined for drinking a beer while fishing wants penalty

Doug Vickery fined for drinking a beer while fishing wants penalty

A PERTH dad has slammed police as “un-Australian” for slapping him with a $200 fine for drinking a beer while fishing.

Now, Western Australia’s police minister has come to his defence, saying the fine seems excessive.

Doug Vickery copped the infringement notice while fishing at Two Rocks Marina last week, 9 News reports.

His case has now been referred to the police commissioner.

“At first glance, it seems like a pretty interesting case, because I’m sure he’s not the only person who’s fishing off the beach or rocks that’s had a beer,” WA Police Minister Michelle Roberts said.

Mr Vickery, an electrician, said the fine was nothing more than “revenue-raising”.

The state government has now asked the force for a “please explain”.

“It’s not something I can interfere in; it’s something I’ll ask the commissioner about, and it’ll be his call whether he wants to review it or not,” Ms Roberts added.

Officers told 9 News that they spoke to the fisherman within an hour of receiving calls about someone speeding in the area, meeting their target response time.

On Monday, police said they had no further comment.

The case comes after another controversial incident in Perth last week, in which police fined a motorcyclist $550 for loosening the chin strap on his helmet.

In both cases, the fines are at the discretion of the individual officer.

Mr Vickery, meanwhile, still hopes his fine will be reviewed.