'I beat the system and proved I didn't need a TV licence'
A man who thought he 'beat the system' by getting his TV licence cancelled after proving he only watches streaming services still ended up being threatened with a criminal conviction.
Lee Stuart applied for one when he moved into a new home in Kirkby, Merseyside, but later decided to scrap it because he preferred bingeing Netflix and Amazon Prime.
He was visited by an inspection officer last September and says they agreed he did not watch any live TV or use the BBC iPlayer.
But in January this year, a letter came through saying he was being prosecuted under the controversial single justice procedure (SJP).
The SJP was set up in 2015 to allow magistrates to decide on minor offences, such as using a television without a licence or driving without car insurance, without defendants going to court.
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
Around 25,000 people were convicted of not paying their TV licence in the year ending June 2024, the Standard reports.
There have been calls to reform the system after it was revealed sick pensioners, people with mental health problems and bereaved families were being given criminal convictions for failing to pay.
Lee said of his inspection: 'I told him I didn't pay for a TV licence because I didn't think I needed one because I don't watch live TV. I don't even have an aerial installed in my TV.'
He said he 'just watches Netflix and Amazon Prime through the PlayStation', which the inspector agreed.
'To be honest, I was really made up with myself, thinking I'd beaten the system and proved I didn't need a licence,' he added.
But that relief was wiped out when the SJP notice came through the letter box in January.
Speaking to the Echo, he said: 'It said if I pleaded not guilty, the fine would be larger, and I may have to pay court costs. So, I'm not sure what's going on at this point.'
He said the inspector's statement was included in the paperwork but the question 'May I come in to inspect the TV receiver?' was marked 'No'.
It also stated he had admitted to watching the news days earlier. More Trending
Lee decided to contest the case in court – despite warnings he faced a large fine as well as prosecution costs – and ended up proving his case a second time.
'I can see why people just accept it, but I knew I was innocent, and I wasn't paying for a TV licence that I didn't need so I fought it,' he said.
Magistrates threw out the case due to insufficient evidence.
A TV Licensing spokesperson said: 'This was reviewed by TV Licensing following the court hearing in April 2025 as is standard practice, and no failings were highlighted.'
A TV licence covers you for: All TV channels – like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, U&Dave and international channels
– like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, U&Dave and international channels Pay TV services – like Sky, Virgin Media and EE TV
– like Sky, Virgin Media and EE TV Live TV on streaming services – like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video
– like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video Everything on BBC iPlayer
This includes watching, recording and downloading. On any device.
The full list of rules can be found here.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
MORE: BBC star Naga Munchetty facing bullying allegations and inappropriate 'sex jibe' claims
MORE: Netflix's rudely axed Mindhunter could be returning with a twist
MORE: More schedule changes confirmed as EastEnders is pulled from BBC One
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Netflix star Sara Burack, 40, killed in hit-and-run as police hunt driver
The star of Netflix's Million Dollar Beach House, Sara Burack, has been killed in a hit-and-run. The real estate agent appeared in the reality series, which spotlighted the Hampton's youngest and most exclusive group of brokers based at Nest Seekers agency. The 40-year-old was reportedly found unconscious by police in the Hamptons, with a manhunt now underway for the driver. The police have said they found the broker unresponsive on Thursday (June 19) afternoon shortly before 3pm on Hampton Bays road, police said, according to Newsday. The scene was investigated by New York State police as well as detectives from the Southampton Town police department, according to local outlet Dan's Papers. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. According to the news outlet, police have not spoken to witnesses yet nor do they have any information about what type of car struck Burack and left her to die in the street. Burack had worked as a real estate agent at the Nest Seekers International agency, as seen on the Netflix show, in which she dealt in upscale properties in Manhattan and the Hamptons, according to Newsday. More Trending It's been reported that Burack left the agency over a year ago. Burack stayed in touch with the the Hamptons regional manager for Nest Seekers Geoff Gifkins. Gifkins paid tribute to Burack in a statement supplied to Newsday, saying: 'Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends. View More » 'Please be kind and respectful as this is a tremendous loss to her parents and close friends.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'I beat the system and proved I didn't need a TV licence' MORE: Netflix's rudely axed Mindhunter could be returning with a twist MORE: James Prime's 'brokenhearted' Deacon Blue bandmates lead tributes after star's death
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Netflix star Sara Burack killed in Hamptons hit-and-run crash
Million Dollar Beach House star Sara Burack has been killed in a hit-and-run crash in the Hamptons. Burack, 40, was hit on Thursday afternoon on a Hampton Bays road, Dan's Papers reports. Officers found the Netflix actress unconscious just before 3pm. A manhunt is underway for the driver. This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Netflix Million Dollar Beach House star Sara Burack killed in hit-and-run in Hamptons as cops launch manhunt for driver
A manhunt hunt for the driver has been launched by the cops STAR LOST Netflix Million Dollar Beach House star Sara Burack killed in hit-and-run in Hamptons as cops launch manhunt for driver Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SARA Burack, the star of Netflix's Million Dollar Beach House, has been killed in a hit-and-run in the Hamptons. Cops have launched a manhunt for the driver. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 1 Sara Burack has died having been involved in a hit-and-run incident in the Hamptons Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Sara died following the hit-and-run incident on Thursday afternoon, police and reports say. The 40-year-old was found unconscious by police on a Hampton Bays road shortly before 3pm and the motorist who struck and killed her remains at large, police said.
