Woman offered to read TV licence legislation to judge

It appears that a court summons and the possibility of a fine and legal costs is sending some people rushing to the post offices to buy television licences.

Out of 23 people summonsed to Navan District Court on Friday for having no licence, some 16 bought a licence after the summons was served on them.

One woman who appeared in court was sent across the road to Navan post office to buy a licence. When she returned her case was struck out.

Another woman wanted to debate the legislation governing television licences with Judge Brendan O’Reilly but he replied that he was acquainted with the legislation and did not want it read to him. A TV licence inspector said that when he visited the woman’s home he saw a Samsung television set there. The woman told the judge that it was a “smart TV” but she couldn’t get reception on it. “The TV is internet only,” she said.

When she offered to read the legislation to the judge he said “I’m only a simple judge. There are well educated people in a place called Leinster House who do that [pass the legislation]. You sound like you’d make a great politician. You could go out and canvas and get yourself elected and if you’re successful in getting the legislation changed be a heroine in Ireland”. The woman then left the court room and returned saying she had purchased a new licence. Her case was struck out.

One man told the court that he had lost his wallet which contained his credit card. He promised to buy a licence as soon as he got a new card which was still awaited.

Seven people who did not appear in court were each fined €160 plus €123 legal costs.