Leeds licensee fined £10k for illegal Sky use

Martin Adamson, the designated premise supervisor of the Bay Horse Hotel, was found guilty of two offences of televising Sky football matches without intent to pay at Leeds Crown Court this week.

In addition to receiving a criminal conviction, Mr. Adamson was ordered to pay a total of £10,554 in fines and costs.

Stephen Gerrard, Prosecuting Manager, FACT said “This case clearly demonstrates that if a licensee shows Sky broadcasts in their premises by any other means than a Sky commercial viewing agreement they will be prosecuted. If convicted they will receive an unlimited fine and can expect to pay substantial legal costs. Additionally they risk having their Personal Licence suspended or revoked.” 

Visits

The conviction was carried out by FACT on behalf of its members. Sky has said it is visiting every licensed premises reported by other publicans for illegally showing Sky and will visit hundreds of pubs each week in towns and cities across the UK this season, the firm claimed.    

George Lawson, Head of Commercial Piracy at Sky, said: “Illegal broadcasting without a valid subscription is damaging to the sector, and those licensees who choose to televise content in this way should be aware that they are at high risk of being caught and face substantial penalties as this latest case demonstrates.”

“We’re committed to protecting Sky customers who are unfairly losing business due to this illegal activity and this case is just the latest in our efforts to ensure they are not left short changed.”