Browsing cyberspace this morning we came across a rather interesting Reddit conversation.
The edited highlights are as follows: The occupier and housemates rent a property together. As far as the occupier was concerned no TV licence was required, as he did not receive TV programmes and/or BBC on-demand programmes via the iPlayer.
A TV Licensing goon came calling, established that no TV licence was held in relation to the property and managed to gain access.
The occupier turned on the TV set at the behest of the TV Licensing goon. He flicked through each of the channels and there was no evidence of TV reception. The TV Licensing goon then turned his attention to an Xbox belonging to one of the occupier's housemate. At the TV Licensing goon's request the occupier turned on the Xbox and allowed him to inspect the apps. The SkyGo app was already signed in.
The TV Licensing goon then cautioned the occupier and told him that as the SkyGo app had the potential to receive "live" (at the time of broadcast) TV programmes a TV licence was required. The TV Licensing goon told the occupier he would need to delete the offending SkyGo app and set up a TV licence. The occupier completed a Direct Debit mandate and signed the TVL178 Record of Interview form. Six months later he has just received a Single Justice Procedure Notice for the offence of receiving TV programmes without a valid TV licence.
This is a rather unfortunate state of affairs. It appears that the innocent occupier has made the mistake of cooperating with TV Licensing and is being prosecuted as a result.
Unbeknown to the occupier, the presence of the SkyGo app in no way proves that a TV licence is required.
Sadly, as an incriminated TVL178 form is now in existence, the occupier may well end up being convicted of the offence regardless. We would hope that the occupier elects a full Magistrates' Court hearing, then at least he can put his version of events forward and show TV Licensing for the scheming organisation it really is.
We would remind all readers that however innocent they might be, they simply cannot trust any TV Licensing goon to act with honesty or integrity. For that reason they should never allow TV Licensing voluntary access to their property. Despite churning out copious amounts of pseudolegal bullshit, TV Licensing has no automatic right of access to any property.
Keep the door firmly closed and keep the scum from TV Licensing out in the cold.
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That TV Licensing Goon was "examining and testing" a computing device for which he has no authority. He would need authority under Section 49 RIPA which Capita Business Services will never get. Furthermore the goon caused the computing device to perform an unauthorised operation which comes under Section 1 of the Misuse of Computers 1990, which unlike the Communications Act has real teeth including up to two years' imprisonment.
ReplyDeleteWhat happens if you live on a 28 -oot motorboat (as I do) and do not have any land-based address and are always at anchor in the river. How do you apply of a TV licence without a recognised address and postcode.
ReplyDeleteMV "Bonnie Lass" - River Orwell Suffolk.
TV Licensing have previously said that a TV licence can be registered to a particular vessel. They just need the registration number (or whatever it's called).
ReplyDeleteDesperate Clown Goons are only interested in money. It's the responsibility of everyone with common sense to deprive them of it, whenever possible. This will bring about the end of the licensing system, sooner rather than later.
ReplyDelete