FACT reveals Sky domestic prosecution figures
FACT says around six hundred prosecutions have been brought against pubs where a Sky domestic contract was being used to screen football.
FACT revealed the figures as licensees at two pubs were ordered to pay around £5,000 for the offence.
We are committed to protecting the interests of our legitimate pub customers Sky spokesman.
Both licensees pleaded guilty to dishonest reception of a television transmission - contrary to section 297(1) of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988.
Neath Magistrates ordered Martin Rees and David George Davies of the Windsor Club, Windsor Road, Neath, to pay Sky £1,800 in fines and £3,600 in costs for using a domestic card on two dates.
Gary and Susan Bunning of the Grapevine, Watford, were also ordered by magistrates to pay Sky £4,000 in fines plus £252.30 in costs for using the domestic package once.
The prosecutions were brought by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT).
A Sky spokesman said: "We are committed to protecting the interests of our legitimate pub customers by undertaking a number of activities that ultimately can lead to prosecution of premises who choose to enjoy the benefits of Sky without the proper commercial contract.
"Our investigators visit licensed premises continually and we fully support FACT's efforts to prosecute licensees who break the law."
