TV Licence, Court Summons

[schwyz]

Hi,

I've just received a summons to appear at a Magistrates court for using a colour television receiver without a licence.

The period was between 24/3/2015 and 25/4/2015.

The summons was sent to my old address, I now live overseas. Is the summons valid and legal? Can they pursue me given I don't live in the UK?

For background, I cancelled my TV Licence direct debit because we were in the process of moving abroad. The move was delayed hence left a period where we weren't covered. A TV person came to the door and I paid the back charge and re-instated the direct debit.

It seems somewhat unfair that they're proceeding with a legal charge given the circumstances.

Thanks

[judgemental24]

Re: TV Licence, Court Summons

Your only mistake was talking to this drone who has no legal authority

I know with civil law a claim cannot be brought against you if you are no longer domicile at a UK address, i am unsure on criminal charges.

I will look that one up

[enaid]

Re: TV Licence, Court Summons

Hi and welcome,
Maybe just me but that seems a bit confusing, are they taking you to court for 1 months missed payment 24/3 to 25/4/15 ? roughly £12

[judgemental24]

Re: TV Licence, Court Summons

363 of the Communications Act 2003 makes it an offence for an individual to receive live tv broadcasts without a licence

THE OP must have stated he does to the Capita (tv) licence Goon

TV licence will record the interview on form TVL178 and get the OP to sign it

[schwyz]

Re: TV Licence, Court Summons

Hi and welcome,
Maybe just me but that seems a bit confusing, are they taking you to court for 1 months missed payment 24/3 to 25/4/15 ? roughly £12

Hi, yes it would seem. That was the only period I wasn't covered. I explained to the agent the reason for cancelling the direct debit (move overseas) and I also paid the charge and reinstated the DD while he was at the door.

[judgemental24]

Re: TV Licence, Court Summons

And you obliged with putting your John Hancock on the form with no questions??

That is why you now have a summons

[schwyz]

Re: TV Licence, Court Summons

And you obliged with putting your John Hancock on the form with no questions??

That is why you now have a summons

Unfortunately yes! I didn't know otherwise at the time.

Can the court hearing go ahead though if served to the wrong address and I'm anyway not resident in the UK?

[judgemental24]

Re: TV Licence, Court Summons

I have sent an email on that question on jurisdiction. I know you cannot with a civil claim but unsure on criminal as you are a non-dom

[des8]

Re: TV Licence, Court Summons

If OP isn't in country with extradition treaty he's probably all right, otherwise should he consider plastic surgery and a change of name?

[FlamingParrot]

Re: TV Licence, Court Summons

If OP isn't in country with extradition treaty he's probably all right, otherwise should he consider plastic surgery and a change of name?

Extradition for a TV license offence?

[des8]

Re: TV Licence, Court Summons

Tongue in cheek!

[judgemental24]

Re: TV Licence, Court Summons

The question still remains though if anyone has the answer

Can you be issued with a summons under public law (Statute) to attend a magistrate court when you are a Non Dom and the court use a previous UK address they know you no longer reside at??

And if you fail to attend can a warrant for arrest be issued that will kick in as soon as you return back to the UK?

[schwyz]

Re: TV Licence, Court Summons

The question still remains though if anyone has the answer

Can you be issued with a summons under public law (Statute) to attend a magistrate court when you are a Non Dom and the court use a previous UK address they know you no longer reside at??

And if you fail to attend can a warrant for arrest be issued that will kick in as soon as you return back to the UK?

Hi, any updates please on whether the summons is 'legal' and the case can be heard given I'm resident overseas?

Any recommendations on how I should proceed with the summons form? I can plead guily by post attend court or plead not guilty.

Thanks

[des8]

Re: TV Licence, Court Summons

Why don't you just write to the court, explain your current position.
Plead guilty, and explain the circumstances.
Chances are the magistrates will issue a rap on the knuckles or even dismiss the case.
This is so minor a matter to be unbelievable.