A Walsall pub licensee faces fines for unlawfully screening Sky Sports.
- Clinton Hartland of The Watering Trough was found guilty of dishonest TV reception.
- The case highlights the risks of avoiding commercial payment obligations.
- FACT and Sky Business are committed to curbing illegal sports broadcasts.
- Businesses breaching copyright face penalties, including licence loss.
Clinton Hartland, the designated premises supervisor of The Watering Trough in Walsall, was found guilty, in absentia, of dishonestly receiving television transmissions. This conviction relates to his illegal broadcast of Sky Sports football matches, circumventing the necessary commercial subscription fees that licensed premises are required to pay in the UK. Such subscriptions allow the premises to legally broadcast Sky Sports, a service provided under a commercial viewing agreement with Sky Business.
The implications of Hartland’s actions were significant, resulting in a total financial liability of £8,030.78, which encompassed fines and court costs. The case was prosecuted by FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft) at Dudley Magistrates Court, upholding the legal measures designed to protect intellectual property rights. The prosecution serves as a stark reminder to other business premises that bypassing such commercial viewing agreements can lead to both criminal and civil legal actions.
Kieron Sharp, Chief Executive of FACT, emphasised the organisation’s dedication to preventing unlawful broadcasts. He stated, “Our aim is to help create an effective deterrent to licensees who endeavour to fraudulently show Sky content in their premises, and FACT will continue to protect the intellectual property rights of its clients by pursuing those who continue to break the law.”
Further reinforcing this stance, Sara Stewart, the Commercial Compliance Lead at Sky Business, highlighted the direct impact illegal broadcasts have on legitimate customers. She underscored the importance of protecting these investments, mentioning that Sky actively monitors thousands of pubs each season to prevent misuse and hold those accountable who breach copyright. Stewart warned, “Businesses that choose to show Sky Sports illegally are directly impacting our legitimate customers who unfairly lose business to these venues.”
The alignment between Sky and FACT underscores a robust framework intent on safeguarding the interests of licensed venues that invest in legitimate Sky Sports subscriptions. This collaboration includes proactive measures such as visiting reported premises and providing resources for anonymous reporting of suspected illegal broadcasting.
This case serves as a critical reminder of the legal obligations surrounding commercial broadcasts and the severe penalties for violations.
