A pub landlord has been ordered to pay out after illegally showing Sky Sports football matches to customers without a commercial licence.
John Peter Turner, the licensee of the Dolphin Inn in Llanymynech was found guilty in his absence of two offences relating to the dishonest broadcast of televised programming on Tuesday, June 2.
Mold Magistrates’ Court heard Turner had shown Sky Sports matches while attempting to avoid paying the required commercial subscription fee.
Sky Sports content can only legally be shown in pubs and licensed venues through authorised commercial agreements with Sky Business.
The case was investigated and brought by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), which found the pub had been broadcasting matches without a valid agreement.
Turner, who is also the designated premises supervisor at the Dolphin Inn, was ordered to pay a total of £19,000 in fines and costs.
FACT warned that other businesses showing Sky broadcasts without the correct licence could face similar legal action or civil proceedings.
Nick Sumner, investigations manager at FACT, said: “Pubs and licensed premises that show Sky Sports without the correct commercial viewing agreement are breaking the law and gaining an unfair advantage over businesses that pay properly.
“This prosecution should serve as a clear warning. FACT will continue to work closely with Sky Business to identify and take action against premises that unlawfully broadcast live sport and other protected content.
“Commercial piracy is not a victimless offence. It damages legitimate businesses, undermines the value of sports rights and is part of a wider illegal streaming ecosystem often linked to organised criminality.”
He added that illegal services can also expose users to risks including malware, fraud and data theft.
Sara Stewart, head of compliance (commercial anti-piracy) at Sky Business, said: “Sky is the home of premium sport and the UK’s leading investor in women’s sport, therefore protecting our customers’ investments is more crucial than ever.
“When businesses illegally broadcast Sky Sports, it undermines that investment and instead profits criminal networks.
“Venues that continue to televise content in this way are breaking the law and are at risk of being ordered to pay significant damages and legal costs or losing their personal licence.”
The Dolphin Inn has been contacted for a response.
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