Boat owner fined for ‘appalling river rage’

A man who drove his motorboat between rowers on the River Thames, narrowly missing them, will have to pay more than £4,000 in fines, compensation and court fees.

Scott Keen was filmed taking his cruiser into an area of water closed off for the Kingston amateur regatta last July, swamping rowers and race officials, before shouting and swearing.

The Environment Agency (EA), which brought the prosecution, said it was an “appalling incident of river rage” that put young oarspeople in danger.

Keen, of Morden, south-west London was convicted at Staines Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard Keen entered the race area at Kingston Upon Thames and was advised by an official that the river ahead was closed.

He ignored a request to turn back, sped past the umpire and narrowly missed a rower, who “had to take quick action” to get out of Keen’s path, the EA said.

When his cruiser got caught on a race stake, he launched a “foul-mouthed tirade” on the scullers, swearing and yelling that they “did not own the water”.

EA officials later discovered Keen has been using the boat illegally, as it was not registered.

Maria Herlihy, from the EA and harbour master of the Thames, said the incident was a “disgrace”.

“Keen showed no regard for the safety of other river users and could easily have caused a tragedy.

“Anti-social and dangerous behaviour on our rivers will not be tolerated… we will take robust action to deal with those who disregard the rules.”

Keen was convicted in his absence of failing to register his boat and abusive behaviour as well as offences relating to the way he navigated his boat in a closed-off area.

He was ordered to pay £2,710 in fines, £275 costs, £265.54 compensation and a £1,084 victim surcharge.