Jonathan Burnel and David Sylla will be back in the Royal Court to be sentenced next month.

The string of offences include illegally fishing in local waters on more than 15 occasions between 19th April and 15th June 2015; refusing to obey the orders of a fisheries officer; lying about the name of the boat’s owner and his address; and switching off the boat’s tracker.

The fishermen have been released on bail so they can return to France.

Speaking through an interpreter Deputy Bailiff Tim Le Cocq suggested the men might want to seek legal advice before returning to court.