Pub fined £13k for illegal Sky use

Licensees of an Oxfordshire pub have been fined more than £13,000 after showing Sky football using a domestic card.

Vincent Mark and Gary Smith of the Plough Inn, Bicester, pleaded guilty by letter to six offences each of dishonest reception of Sky football matches with the intent to avoid payment of the correct charge.

Banbury Magistrates Court ordered payment of £13,280 in fines and costs.

FACT conducted the prosecution as part of Sky's crackdown on licensees who televise Sky without the correct contract.

There have been 1,100 similar prosecutions with more than 150 this football season.

"Our aim is to help create an effective deterrent to publicans who endeavour to fraudulently show Sky content on their premises," said FACT prosecuting manager Stephen Gerrard. "As numerous cases have shown we successfully pursue and prosecute dishonest licensees who are then faced with substantial fines, costs and a criminal record."

A spokesperson for Sky said: "This case demonstrates the seriousness of this issue as courts continue to deliver considerable penalties to licensees who televise Sky content illegally.

"Sky's ongoing support for FACT in prosecuting licensees who break the law demonstrates our commitment to protecting the interests of our legitimate subscribers."