118 of Derry's 18-25-year-olds caught with no TV licence

One hundred and eighteen 18-25 year olds were caught watching live TV without a television licence in Derry in the past year.

They were among 25,000 young adults detected, according to new figures released today by TV Licensing.

With 75 per cent of first year undergraduates aged 25 and under*, TV Licensing is reminding freshers that they could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 if they are caught watching live TV, on any device, without a TV licence.

Recent research** by TV Licensing shows 29 per cent think TV Licensing can’t catch people watching live TV on a computer, laptop or mobile device and just over half of students believe that people in general are unlikely to be caught if they watch live TV without a TV Licence.

Karen Grimason, spokesperson for TV Licensing Northern Ireland, said: “Every year myths circulate around campus about when you do and don’t need a licence. We want to make sure students know one is needed by law to watch or record live TV, on any device including a laptop, tablet, mobile phone or games console.

“A TV licence costs on average £12.13 a month which goes towards services like Radio 1’s Big Weekend, BBC iPlayer, Newsbeat and BBC One Match of the Day.

“To avoid the risk of prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000, we encourage students to check if they need a licence on our website – www.tvlicensing.co.uk/studentinfo – or by calling 0300 790 6113.”

Last month, 122 people were brought before Derry Magistrates Court for having no TV licence.

It is believed to be the largest number of such cases to come before the local court in one day.

The previous month, 114 people were summoned to appear charged with having no TV licence.

The prosecutions were brought under Section 363(2) of the Communications Act 2003