Dad wins landmark TV Licence battle after cancelling to stream from games console
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A dad has won a landmark battle with TV Licensing after cancelling his licence in favour of streaming services on his gaming console. The current price for a TV licence is £174.50, granting lawful access to BBC programmes and live viewing across networks such as ITV and Channel 4, whether through aerial or online.
But it seems not everyone must cough up for the fee, as Lee Stuart from Kirkby demonstrated in court. Last year, Mr Stuart had a run-in with a TV Licensing official and stated his case.
Lee Stuart told the officer: "I told him I just watch Netflix and Amazon Prime through the PlayStation, and he asked me if I used BBC iPlayer and I said, 'no'."
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After he signed a declaration confirming his statements, as reported by the Express, he thought that would be the last of the situation. But a Single Justice Procedure Notice soon dropped into his letterbox, indicating a potential legal skirmish.
Resolved to fight his corner, Mr Stuart stood his ground in the dock, contesting the assertion from TV Licensing that he was watching the news and rebuffed an entry request from their agent. Sefton Magistrates Court dismissed the charge due to insufficient proof, reports Derbyshire Live.
A spokesperson for TV Licensing clarified: "This was reviewed by TV Licensing following the court hearing in April 2025 as is standard practice, and no failings were highlighted."
However, it has since come to light that Mr Stuart's claims were indeed accurate, according to TV Licensing's own rules.
TV Licensing's guidelines stipulate that a TV Licence is essential for anyone who:.
- Watches or records live TV across any channel using services like Sky, Virgin, Freeview, or Freesat.
- Streams live content on platforms such as ITVX, Channel 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now, or Sky Go.
- Utilises BBC iPlayer in any capacity.
However, there are exemptions where a TV Licence isn't necessary:.
- Viewing on-demand content on Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV, provided it's not live. For instance, you can legally watch series like Drive To Survive, Stranger Things, Ted Lasso, or Clarkson's Farm without a TV Licence.
But watching live sports, such as a Premier League match on Amazon Prime, would require a Licence.
TV Licensing emphasises: "You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch programmes live on any online TV service - such as ITVX, Channel 4, Amazon Prime Video, Now or Sky Go. You don't need a TV Licence if you only ever watch on-demand programmes on any TV service apart from BBC iPlayer."
LIVE doesn't just refer to a live match, but also if you're watching Coronation Street as it's being broadcast 'live', you'll need a TV Licence. However, if you catch up on an ITV or Channel 4 show later, you won't require a licence for that.
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Dad wins landmark TV Licence battle after cancelling to stream from games console
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A dad has won a landmark battle with TV Licensing after cancelling his licence in favour of streaming services on his gaming console. The current price for a TV licence is £174.50, granting lawful access to BBC programmes and live viewing across networks such as ITV and Channel 4, whether through aerial or online. But it seems not everyone must cough up for the fee, as Lee Stuart from Kirkby demonstrated in court. Last year, Mr Stuart had a run-in with a TV Licensing official and stated his case. Lee Stuart told the officer: "I told him I just watch Netflix and Amazon Prime through the PlayStation, and he asked me if I used BBC iPlayer and I said, 'no'." READ MORE - Princess Diana's nickname for Harry and why she thought 'he'd be a better king' READ MORE - World's 'friendliest country' to make tourists pay more than locals in restaurants After he signed a declaration confirming his statements, as reported by the Express, he thought that would be the last of the situation. But a Single Justice Procedure Notice soon dropped into his letterbox, indicating a potential legal skirmish. Resolved to fight his corner, Mr Stuart stood his ground in the dock, contesting the assertion from TV Licensing that he was watching the news and rebuffed an entry request from their agent. Sefton Magistrates Court dismissed the charge due to insufficient proof, reports Derbyshire Live. A spokesperson for TV Licensing clarified: "This was reviewed by TV Licensing following the court hearing in April 2025 as is standard practice, and no failings were highlighted." However, it has since come to light that Mr Stuart's claims were indeed accurate, according to TV Licensing's own rules. TV Licensing's guidelines stipulate that a TV Licence is essential for anyone who:. - Watches or records live TV across any channel using services like Sky, Virgin, Freeview, or Freesat. - Streams live content on platforms such as ITVX, Channel 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now, or Sky Go. - Utilises BBC iPlayer in any capacity. However, there are exemptions where a TV Licence isn't necessary:. - Viewing on-demand content on Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV, provided it's not live. For instance, you can legally watch series like Drive To Survive, Stranger Things, Ted Lasso, or Clarkson's Farm without a TV Licence. But watching live sports, such as a Premier League match on Amazon Prime, would require a Licence. TV Licensing emphasises: "You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch programmes live on any online TV service - such as ITVX, Channel 4, Amazon Prime Video, Now or Sky Go. You don't need a TV Licence if you only ever watch on-demand programmes on any TV service apart from BBC iPlayer." LIVE doesn't just refer to a live match, but also if you're watching Coronation Street as it's being broadcast 'live', you'll need a TV Licence. However, if you catch up on an ITV or Channel 4 show later, you won't require a licence for that.
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