From the Dover Mercury, 15 October, 2015.

Pub boss must pay thousands over illegal soccer screening.

A pub supervisor has been fined more than £4,000 after illegally airing a Sky TV football match without paying for a subscription.

Daniel Gear, of The "Sportsman" in London Road, Dover, was convicted in his absence of five offences of dishonest reception of a television transmission on Wednesday last week at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court. In addition to receiving a criminal conviction, Gear must pay £4,481 in fines and costs.

The prosecution was carried out by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (Fact) on behalf of its members, who are part of Sky’s protection for pubs which pay for subscriptions.

Stephen Gerrard, the prosecuting manager at Fact, said: “This case clearly shows 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 can receive an
unlimited fine and should expect to pay substantial legal costs. Additionally, they risk having their personal licence suspended or revoked.”

Alison Dolan, deputy managing director at Sky Business, 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. We are committed to protecting the investment our customers make by supporting Fact’s work against unauthorised venues as well as investigating suppliers”.

Any licensee affected by these issues can report suspected illegal broadcasting in

confidence at www.business.sky.com/fighting-fraud/business