MARCH pub landlord John Anderson walked away from court with his licence intact despite screening three Premiership football matches without a licence.
Anderson (57), of The Cock Inn, admitted being the licence holder of the premises and thus being responsible for the screeing of the matches – and will have to pay out almost £7,000.
Anderson told Fenland Magistrates' Court on Friday he had no kno
wledge of the incidents as he was in Spain at the time and had delegated responsibility of the pub to Paul Cant.
Robert Dalling, prosecuting for the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), said the charges relate to showing Chelsea v Manchester United on August 5, Spurs v Manchster United on August 26 and Wigan v Manchester United on October 6, each on Sky televsion.
Anderson, continued Mr Dalling, previously held the agreement with BSKYB during a 10-month period between 2005 and 2006. The agreement was suspended by the corporation because payments, of £308 per month before VAT, had stopped.
Mr Dalling said an investigator went to the pub and observed the three matches being shown, despite Anderson being sent a letter in May to say he needed the agreement to show the games.
An agreement letter was taken out on November 11, so the pub could legally show the games again and it was still active today, added Mr Dalling.
Roger Glazebrook, defending, said Anderson and his wife were planning on emigrating to Spain and had left in February, but returned in December.
Anderson delegated the running of the bar to Mr Cant, who was employed as a manager.
"He (Anderson) thinks Mr Cant had a domestic card and put that in," added Mr Glazebrook. He said Anderson had pleaded guilty because, despite not knowing the offences took place, he is still liable as the licence holder.
Anderson had since sacked Mr Cant and employed someone who was applying for his own licence. "He will then go back out to Spain," added Mr Glazebrook.
Michael Sullivan, presiding magistrate, said: "We considered the option of withdrawing your licence, but we are satisfied you may continue to hold your licence."
Magistrates fined Anderson £3,500 in total for the three offences and ordered him to pay costs of £3,387, including the victim surcharge.
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