Summons for tv licence - tv in the garden broken

nessymon

I had a visit from the tv inspector a while back, He asked if I had a tv licence I said no, he said that he would give me a few weeks to get sorted. I told him we would need to get a tv first.

I told him that there was a broken tv in the yard, had been rained upon and definitely unrepairable. The landlord said he'd put it in a skip for us as he was getting a skip.

He did not ask to see the tv, ask to come into the house, nothing. He smiled and went off about his business.

So being broke and not being able to afford a new tv, I didn't think anymore til I got a letter asking if I had a tv on the premises or if my address was correct. I called and said I didn't have any tv.

I spoke to both a supervisor and inspector who said I didn't say anything about a broken tv (as he would have written it down). All they told me was to get a licence - for a tv that wasnt capable of receiving anything.

Now I have a summons to appear in court on December 17. Still don't have the money for a new tv, licence or solicitor. I went to Free legal Aid and was told to plead guilty and I would probably get the probation act. He FLA guy told me to buy a licence and grovel. If I tried to explain to the judge I would probably get a conviction which would go on a permanent record.

Is this right? Advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

Is it compulsory to have a tv in Ireland?

Our man in Havana

Is it compulsory to have a tv in Ireland?

Nope.

ted1

have you a radio ? They need a licence too.

emanresu

ted1 wrote: »

have you a radio ? They need a licence too.

NO, This is not correct.

Our man in Havana

Certain types of radios do in fact need licences. But not your domestic type radios.

slimjimmc

Take a load of photos of the broken TV, close ups to show it is actually broken (damaged screen), wide shots to show it's dumped in the garden, even snowed on. At least you can show you weren't bluffing when the inspector called.