The Gangmasters’ Licensing Authority has achieved its first prosecution of a gangmaster in the shellfish industry.

Four workers had to be rescued by Morecambe Bay lifeboats in September 2007 after they were put in danger by rising tides. Their gangmaster, Cumbria-based Harold Benson, was found guilty at Preston Crown Court of running gang workers without a licence. He was fined £600 and ordered to pay £4,000 in costs.

“Morecambe Bay is a notoriously dangerous area, which has seen tragedy in the past,” said GLA chairman Paul Whitehouse. “Any cockling must be done in a professional manner with the safety of those involved paramount at all times.”

Twenty-three Chinese cockle-pickers drowned in Morecambe Bay in 2004 – a tragedy that led to the formation of the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act.