Designated premises supervisor of the Dolphin Inn in Llanymynech, Powys, John Peter Turner, was found guilty in his absence at Mold Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 2 June of two offences relating to the dishonest broadcast of Sky televised programming.
The prosecution was brought by FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft) which investigated the case.
The court found Turner had shown Sky Sports football matches without a legitimate commercial viewing agreement, with the intent to avoid paying the applicable commercial subscription fee.
Sky Sports content is only available to licensed premises in the UK through authorised commercial viewing agreements from Sky Business.
‘A clear warning’
FACT warned businesses showing Sky broadcasts without a commercial viewing agreement risk similar action or potential civil legal proceedings.
Nick Sumner, investigations manager at FACT, said: “Pubs and licensed premises that show Sky Sports without the correct commercial viewing agreement are breaking the law and gaining an unfair advantage over businesses that pay properly.
“This prosecution should serve as a clear warning. FACT will continue to work closely with Sky Business to identify and take action against premises that unlawfully broadcast live sport and other protected content.”
Damages business
Sumner said commercial piracy was “not a victimless offence”, adding it damaged legitimate businesses, undermined the value of sports rights and was part of a wider illegal streaming ecosystem often linked to organised criminality.
He added: “It can also expose those who use illegal services to risks including malware, fraud and data theft.”
Sara Stewart, head of compliance, commercial anti-piracy, at Sky Business, said: “Sky is the home of premium sport and the UK’s leading investor in women’s sport therefore protecting our customers’ investments is more crucial than ever.
“When businesses illegally broadcast Sky Sports, it undermines that investment and instead profits criminal networks.
“Venues that continue to televise content in this way are breaking the law and are at risk of being ordered to pay significant damages and legal costs to Sky and/or losing their personal licence.”
