A LICENSEE has lost his appeal against Sky Sports TV after illegally showing a rugby union match.
Clive Nightingale, of the Kings Arms, Chorley Old Road, Bolton, was fined £1,650 after showing the England v France game in March without a commercial contract.
A judge at Bolton Crown Court dismissed his appeal against the fine and ordered him to pay an extra £350 to cover prosecution costs.
Sky bosses are warning landlords in town against showing sporting events without a licence.
Nicola Browning, Sky Business Division's communications manager, said: "We are committed to protecting the interests of our customers by prosecuting licensees who enjoy the benefits of Sky without the proper contract.
"Our investigators visit licensed premises continually."
People who receive programmes without paying face the maximum £5,000 penalty.
Mr Nightingale, a key event organiser of Bolton's Beer Festival, was unavailable for comment.
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