Murphy wants case referred to Europe
Karen Murphy wants her case referred to the European Court of Justice.
The second part of the Murphy case kicked off this afternoon - hot on the heels of this morning's decision by a High Court judge to refer the landmark battle between the Premier League and foreign satellite suppliers AV Station and QC Leisure to the European Court of Justice.
Round one went against Murphy of the Red, White & Blue in Portsmouth, who was appealing against her conviction for screening Premiership football via Greek channel Nova Supersport.
"We say a reference is justified and the judgment this morning strengthen's our issue," said QC Martin Howe.
However, counsel for Media Protection Services opposed any aspect of the case being referred to the European Court.
He told the judges there were some 50 live prosecutions standing adjourned pending a court ruling in Murphy's case.
The hearing is set to run for a further two days in front of Lord Justice Stanley Burnton and Mr Justice Barling.
Case history: Murphy's law27 June'06: Acquitted by Judge Arnold as she had not received the transmission dishonestly. She had a letter from her brewery, Gales, recommending she took the Nova system.26 Jan'07: Found guilty of two offences relating to breaching the FA Premier League's copyright at Crown Court by Judge Arnold. Fined £8,000.15 March'07: Appeals decision in Crown Court. Conviction upheld by Judge Iain Pearson.29 Nov'07: High Court appeal commences.21 Dec'07: High Court judges Lord Justice Pumfrey and Mr Justice Stanley Burnton dismiss appeal.24 Dec'07: Lord Justice Pumfrey dies24 June'08: Murphy European hearing begins.
