Premier League takes Blyth pub landlord to the High Court - leaving him bankrupt

A pub landlord has been declared bankrupt after he was taken to court for illegally screening Premier League football.

Paul Stephenson was caught showing matches on the TV at his Blyth venue, Oliver's Bar.

The Premier League hauled him to the High Court, in London, over the copyright breach.

A judge ordered Stephenson, of Charlton Street, Blyth, to pay £12,500 back in February.

However, after failing to repay the money, the multi-billion pound firm filed a bankruptcy petition against Stephenson in September.

Public records show the petition was granted at a quick-fire hearing at Newcastle County Court on October 29.

ChronicleLive repeatedly approached the Bridge Street pub to see if Stephenson, or the venue, wished to comment on the case. Neither responded.

Kieron Sharp, CEO of the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), said: “We know that the courts take these matters very seriously.

"Licensees who choose to show broadcasts of football matches without a commercial viewing agreement are breaking the law and will be dealt with severely.

"There is a high risk of being caught and hefty financial penalties as well as harm to your career as you can lose your license.

"It’s also highly damaging to those pubs that pay to show matches legitimately who are competing with businesses who are breaking the law.”

The Insolvency Register states Stephenson's bankruptcy order lasts for 12 months.

Sky Sports, BT Sport, and Amazon Prime Video are the only authorised Premier League broadcasters in UK commercial premises.

In 2017, eight North East pubs were fined £86,000 for breaching copyright by screening matches illegally.

They were part of a nationwide operation in which over £200,000 worth of fines were dished out to venues.

And this year, FACT has brought 10 cases against 14 defendants for a total of 60 offences, resulting in fines and costs of over £58,000.

A Premier League spokesperson declined to comment.