Staffordshire licensee hit with fine after conviction for illegal Sky use

John Bate of the Jubilee Inn, Cannock, Staffordshire was convicted of two offences of dishonest reception of a television transmission (a Sky televised football match) at the pub without a commercial viewing agreement, with the intent to avoid payment of the applicable charge, contrary to Section 297 (1) of the Copyright Design and Patents Act 1988.

Bate was ordered to pay in full, a total of £6,878.00 in fines and costs within 14 days.

The Magistrates court explained that they were imposing a significant fine after Bate deliberately ignored his promise not to continue to show Sky without a commercial contract.

Warnings​

Stephen Gerrard, prosecuting manager at the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), said: ““Despite clear messages and warnings, we are still finding a small number of licensees who persist in using illegal systems to show Sky broadcasts. People found to be showing Sky in commercial premises without having entered into the correct commercial subscription agreement with Sky face criminal prosecution, costs and potential loss of licence.”

Alison Dolan, deputy managing director at Sky Business, said: “This case demonstrates the seriousness of this issue as courts continue to deliver considerable penalties to licensees who televise Sky content illegally.

"Sky will continue to support FACT in prosecuting those licensees who choose to break the law to protect the interests of law-abiding pubs who invest in Sky Sports to build their businesses and entertain their customers."

There have been more than 1,500 similar prosecutions to date; with hundreds of further cases in the pipeline.