I remember this LAKE, As it was subject to an article in the local paper with photos.
Can,t remember the exact details but was something along these lines.
The lake was landed on the sea by Southend Seafront and then proceeded to be park up on the beach. On departure it apparently just went from where it was parked, just missing swimmers and small boats.
The local council and the Thames Port Authority got involved.
They found the pilot to have infringed a few rules, so they reported the pilot to the CAA.
The CAA found the pilot to have several licensing issues and the aircraft laking valid / current paperwork. And therefore the pilot was taken to court and received a heavy fine.
So looks like he gave up and left the plane to rot.
rgds trevor