A 30-year-old St. David's man who was caught spearfishing in a prohibited area in September was fined $500 yesterday in Magistrates' Court.

Steven McCallam pleaded guilty to being in possession of a spear while snorkelling in an area where spears are prohibited on September 11.

McCallam fled from Police and Fisheries officials after getting out of the harbour that morning, running into a nearby wooded area and dropping his spear, snorkelling equipment and a net of fish.

The Fisheries officials pursued him but McCallam made good his escape. Eventually, a lengthy Police search of the area revealed McCallam's hiding spot and he was detained.

McCallam offered no explanation for his actions yesterday in court.