A Plymouth bar licensee has been ordered to pay a total of £14,000 in fines and legal costs after illegally broadcasting Sky Sports in his establishment. Vahid Babolhavaeji, the former designated premises supervisor of Plymouth Premiere Bar and Grill, was found guilty of three charges related to the dishonest screening of Sky Sports matches.

The case, brought by FACT, one of the UK's leading intellectual property protection organisations, was heard at Plymouth Crown Court on March 27. The court determined that Babolhavaeji had shown Sky Sports football matches at his bar with the intent to evade the required commercial subscription fee.

Sky Sports is only available to licensed premises in the UK through a commercial viewing agreement with Sky Business. Businesses that show Sky broadcasts without such an agreement face legal action, including fines and potential civil proceedings.

As a result of the court ruling, Babolhavaeji was ordered to pay a £5,000 fine, £7,000 in legal costs, and a £2,000 victim surcharge.

Kieron Sharp, Chairman of FACT, emphasized the organisation’s commitment to protecting broadcasting rights, stating, 'This outcome highlights FACT’s determination to hold individuals accountable for illegal streaming and misuse of Sky content.'

Sara Stewart, Head of Compliance (Commercial Anti-Piracy) at Sky Business, added, 'Venues that continue to televise Sky Sports without a commercial agreement are breaking the law and risk facing significant fines and legal costs.'

Sky has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting legitimate Sky Sports subscribers and pledged to investigate any licensed venue reported for illegal broadcasting. The Plymouth Premiere Bar and Grill is now under new management.