Record number due in Derry court accused of having no TV licence

The clampdown on TV licence dodgers in the Derry area is continuing unabated with 122 cases due before the city’s Magistrates Court today.

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

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

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

Watching TV without a valid licence is deemed a criminal offence and carries a fine of up to £1,000.

It’s against the law to watch or record TV programmes as they're being shown on TV without a valid licence.

This includes the use of devices such as a TV, computer, mobile phone, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.

It costs £145.50 for a colour and £49.00 for a black and white TV licence.

Section 363(2) of the Communications Act 2003