The operator of subscription-based IPTV service TV Solutions, a pirate streaming service that offered illegal access to sports and entertainment broadcast content, including live Premier League matches and Sky channels, appeared in front of Liverpool Crown Court on July 6 after pleading guilty to multiple copyright and fraud offences, including accessing pirate content for his own use.
He was sentenced on multiple counts to a total of 16 months in jail, which included four months for using an illegal service as a consumer. The Premier League worked with FACT to track down the offender and brought legal action against him in a private prosecution.
Read the Premier League’s press release for further details
Why it matters
Sports leagues are among the top victims of digital media piracy, and among the most diligent in fighting it. Â In the UK, both re-distributors and consumers of unlicensed video programming are classified as pirates.
Premier League General Counsel Kevin Plumb said: “This sentencing demonstrates yet again that the courts take piracy crimes seriously and there are significant consequences for criminals involved in all forms of piracy. Legal action will be taken against those supplying unauthorised access to Premier League football, regardless of the size or scale of the pirate operation.”
Thanks to FACT for drawing our attention to this article
