World

Great white shark catcher convicted

By Camille Mann

February 7, 2013 / 11:44 AM EST / CBS News

Fisherman Leon Bekker is seen with a great white shark. Bekker pleaded guilty to contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act which includes attempting to kill, disturb or be in possession of a white shark without a permit. At the Mossel Bay Magistrates Court Bekker was handed a fine of more than $13,000 or a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for five years. The unprecedented case, which is thought to be the first of its kind in the world, is reportedly the only great white shark conviction in an South African court to date.

South African fisherman Leon Bekker is seen with a great white shark he landed on the coast of Mossel Bay in March 2011.

The great white shark that fisherman Leon Bekker was charged with catching.

South African fisherman Leon Bekker is seen on the right with a great white shark he landed on the coast of Mossel Bay in March 2011.