Had a Visit from TV Licence Man

A question about : Had a Visit from TV Licence Man

Had a visit from a TV Licence man very recently.
He seemed pretty nice.
I don't have a TV licence as I watch programmes after they've been broadcast, although I do admit I have watched the odd programme live, but the cable is usually in a box full of other cables upstairs.
TV man asked if I watched TV as it was being broadcast.
I said no, my TV was connected to my computer because it is.
He asked if he could come in to check.
I said no because I was busy cleaning out my fish. But I did invite him back when I was less busy.
He accepted my answer, typed on his handheld computer and went away.
What will happen now?
How long do you think it will be before he returns with a warrant?
He asked for me when he knocked on the door. If he has a warrant and my girlfriend is home, can she refuse access if I am not home?

Best answers:

• The warrant is for the premises, not e person - so she will have to comply with it. If your TV can receive live broadcasts you will be pursued - as you have the capability and equipment to view. It will then be up to the judge to listen to your story and decide whether he believes your protestations of innocence.
  In view of your earlier comment, I'd get one as it will be cheaper Han a fine.
• The TV is tuned in to watch live TV and I did have the cable out of the loft watching britain's talent as a friend of mine was there in the studio.
  I did not disclose this to the tv man, I just said I was busy and now was not a good time.
  But surely he suspects I was watching tv live?
  I know he walked past the house at least once.
  I thought he was a meter reading man from the gas company when i saw him pass.
  Anyway it just so happens I was watching britains talent while cleaning the fish tank right when he came round.
  He wouldn't have been able to see what I was watching through the window.
  So will he now get a search warrant and come back in the next few days?
  I don't really want to purchase a licence as I won't be watching any more live TV.
  But then how can he prove I am watching live TV through the internet and how can I prove that I am not?
  Just noticed it says this on the tv licence website:
  "Our officers may visit the licensed place at any time to check that our records are correct and inspect TV equipment. However, you don't have to let them into your home or business."
  and
  "You do not need a TV Licence if you only use your TV to watch videos and DVDs or as a monitor for your games console. If this is the case, please complete the online declaration form to tell us that you don't need a TV Licence. One of our Enforcement Officers may visit you to confirm your situation."
  So does that mean they came to check and they will come back but I don't need to let them in (again)?
  I filled in an online declaration.
  While I don't mind, I would prefer not to have the hassle unless they left me alone for a few years.
• So you turned the TV Licence man away because you were busy watching Britains got talent live on the tele that your not supposed to have because your not paying for it?
  Hopefully you will get charged and pay a fine for lying. TV Licence don't care whether your friend was in the BGT studio. That is not a waiver I'm afraid.
• If you need a licence please get one, or make sure that you only ever watch catch-up.
  It's no more difficult than that.
  Just because TVL lack powers, it doesn't make it right to break the law.
• Do TVL regularly get court orders to enter properties?
• Short answer: No.
• In the days of old fashions TVs they could see from their van what you are watching. That is why computer terminals in sensitive environments have special screening inside the case to stop the signal being radiated.
• OP admits to watching live broadcasts so needs a TV licence. The fact that it might be one programme per week or month is completely irrelevant. I certainly hope you are caught and fined as your dishonesty makes my licence more expensive.
• At least you've got clean fish.
• Hi, when the guy next calls round from capita do not engage him in any kind of conversation. The fact is, if Capita TV Licensing visit you at home, watching/recording live or not, innocent or guilty, do not talk to them except to tell them you are not obliged to talk to them. At best, ask them what evidence they have that you are breaking the law.
  You will almost certainly get a non-committal answer as they try to probe you with more questions so they can find an excuse to interview you under caution, stitch you up and prosecute you. Do not answer any of those questions. You have no reason to. You do not have any legal representative standing there to advise you, contrary to what Capita TV Licensing and the BBC and contrary to the absolute rubbish that is recited as a caution your silence can never be used against you.
  In my opinion it is an illegal "tax" and we should all stand united in our refusal to pay.
  Also, look into withdrawing capita's assumed rights of access to your home address. This basically stops them coming onto your property.
  Blue_uk
• You could have watched your friend on BGT via ITV player, surely? Then you wouldn't have had to lie.
  Either a very bad liar, or a troll.
• When you say you watch things after they've been broadcast - do you mean you've recorded them, or watch them online?
  Watching recordings still needs a Licence.