PUB landlords have been ordered to pay more than £5,000 in fines for showing Sky Sports illegally on their premises.

The landlords of The Owls Nest on West End Road, Haydock, were each convicted in their absence at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates’ Court on February 16, to four offences of dishonest reception of a football match with the intent to avoid payment.

The duo, Debra Cunningham and John Walker, received criminal convictions as well as the fine of £5,072.

Stephen Gerrard, prosecuting manager at Federation Against Copyright Theft, who carried out the convictions, said: “These cases should send a clear warning to pub owners and licensees who show Sky broadcasts without a commercial subscription.

“If convicted, fines for this offence are unlimited and you may have to pay substantial legal costs, as well as putting yourself at risk of having your licence suspended or revoked.

“Illegal broadcasts of sporting events, films and TV programmes are damaging to the creative industries and puts businesses and people’s livelihoods at risk.

“We work closely with our members’ to ensure their content is protected and that legitimate customers are not left short changed.”

George Lawson, head of commercial piracy at Sky, added: “We take illegal use of our programming very seriously and we remain committed to protecting our legitimate Sky customers who are unfairly losing business due to this illegal activity.

“Those licensees who choose to televise content illegally should be aware that they are at high risk of being caught and face substantial penalties and a criminal conviction.

“The only legal way to show Sky Sports programming in licensed premises in the UK is via a commercial viewing agreement from Sky”.

To report any suspected illegal broadcasting in confidence visit business.sky.com/fighting-fraud