Man summoned to court over TV fee

A Devon pensioner who has not paid his television licence for nearly seven years has received a court summons.

John Kelly, 70, a retired engineer from Exmouth, has refused to buy one since 2002 after accusing the BBC of "biased reporting" and being pro-European.

He claims BBC reporting on Britain's membership of the European Union did not comply with the Royal Charter.

He is due before magistrates in Exeter on 15 July. He faces a fine of up to £1,000 if he pleads or is found guilty.

The current cost of the annual licence fee is £142.50.

Mr Kelly said: "First of all let me make it clear that I love the BBC - it's a unique public service broadcaster and I listen to and watch it as much as anyone else.

'Very biased'

"But on this one issue of reporting on issues of political significance I believe they are biased, particularly with the issue of British membership of the European Union.

"Their reporting on issues surrounding the Lisbon Treaty is very biased.

"I'm not sure how I'll plea yet, but I intend to argue for a conditional discharge"

"The Royal Charter says reporting should be fair, balanced and allow its subjects to form their own opinion."

Mr Kelly said he initially attempted to complain formally to the broadcaster but felt he "got nowhere with the procedure".

"After going through the complaints procedure for two years, I felt I had no choice so I stopped paying," he said.

He added that he was not fazed by receiving the summons.

"I'm not sure how I'll plea yet, but I intend to argue for a conditional discharge. That has happened in cases such as this before," he said.

A spokesman for TV Licensing said: "Anyone caught watching or recording TV programmes without a licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000."

The BBC said it was unable to make further comment on the case because of the ongoing legal proceedings.

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