Make or break in foreign satellite saga

Massive week ahead in the great debate as Murphy II gets underway

A make or break week in the foreign satellite football saga is due to get underway at the High Court on Wednesday.

The final decision in the landmark civil High Court legal battle between the Premier League and foreign satellite suppliers AV Station and QC Leisure is due on Wednesday.

And on the same day, round two of the Karen Murphy case will kick-off.

In the civil case, the Premier League is seeking a ban on importing, selling, hiring, advertising, installing and maintaining decoders.

The defendants deny breaking copyright law and claim that the attempt to stop them selling the decoder cards is in breach of the EC Treaty, which guarantees the right of free trade between member states.

The case could have a knock-on effect on round two of Murphy.

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.

But the Judges have set aside two days to hear the European side of the argument.

Earlier this week, the trial of five north Wales hosts was adjourned for a second time.

David Owen, formerly of the Links Hotel in Llandudno and Teresa Dickson of the Fairview Inn in Llanddulas had their cases adjourned until 2 September.

They successfully argued that their case should not be heard until the two High Court cases have been resolved.

Dave Fare of Ye Olde Mailcoach, Andrew Neilson of the Bluebell in Conwy and John Devonald, formerly of the Cafe Bar in Llandudno had their cases adjourned until 1 July.

The MA.co.uk will bring you news from all theses cases next week.