Illegal streaming supplier hit with £521k bill

In April 2018, John Dodds, 67, of Stainton Road, Seamer, North Yorkshire, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud.

He sold illegal streaming devices to hundreds of pubs and clubs in north-east England as well as deceiving customers who were left with faulty devices.

Welcome judgment 

At Newcastle Crown Court on 27 February, Dodds was ordered to pay back £521,000 within three months or face his prison sentence being extended by an additional five years.

Premier League director of legal services Kevin Plumb said: “This is a welcome judgment and we are pleased the courts have recognised how serious an issue illegal streaming is – it is a crime with very significant consequences.

“The defendant has now been ordered to forfeit the proceeds of his criminal activities, which we have requested go directly back to the public purse.

“The money recovered will go towards funding the courts and law enforcement agencies to help continue the brilliant work they do in helping bring people like this to justice.”

Stark warning

Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) CEO Kieron Sharp said the court order showed providing illegal steaming services was a serious criminal offence and can result in a prison sentence for fraud and additional financial consequences.

He added: “This is a warning to anyone selling subscriptions or devices that allow access to content without remunerating the legitimate provider – you risk time in jail and the loss of your properties, cars and other proceeds of crime.

“FACT will continue to work with members to crack down on illegal streaming and to hold those behind it accountable for their actions.”