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Independent UKIP · 30-11-2007, 11:21 PM

Quote:

TV ROW LANDS UKIP CANDIDATE IN COURT

09:00 - 30 November 2007

Former Cheltenham UKIP candidate Niall Warry has admitted watching TV without a licence - because he reckons the BBC isn't up to scratch.The 56-year-old, from Fairview Street, told Cheltenham Magistrates' Court he refused to pay the £135.50 fee because he thinks the BBC is institutionally biased.

Pleading guilty to not holding a valid TV licence, he said the organisation fails to offer a balanced view of public debate.

Joined by five fellow protesters, Warry read from a pre-prepared statement,which he passed to the bench.

"It now seems unarguable that the consumer is not getting a fair deal from the BBC in that much of their output is biased and in some cases even dishonest," he said.

"I've been monitoring the BBC for 20 years and finally decided to withhold my TV licence fee until the BBC honours its Royal Charter to report in a balanced way.

"Please be clear I have repeatedly told the BBC and TV licensing authority that I am happy to pay my TV licence when the BBC delivers on its side of commitment to the public."

Warry, who stood as a UKIP representative for All Saints in 2005, initially refused to pay the fee in 2006.

His complaints included the BBC's coverage of the European Union and what he calls "unfair debates on climate change".

Chairman of the bench Peter Langman gave Warry a six-month conditional discharge.

"I've read the comments you have provided to the court and listened to what you have to say and accept your guilty plea," he said.

After the hearing, Warry and his supporters stood outside the magistrates' court and held up a banner, which read 'Oppose BBC pro EU bias'.

Warry said: "A conditional discharge represents a victory of sorts. The fact I was given this shows they have sympathy with the fact the BBC are biased in their broadcasting, especially on issues like the EU.

"They are in favour of joining the EU, whereas public opinion is of scepticism."

Warry said he was pleased to take a stand, but admitted he won't be running the risk of further court action.

He said: "I will pay my TV licence but will reconsider my stance after the six months of my conditional discharge has expired."

I don't know if he is still in the party. If he is then it is fair enough that the story emphasizes that. If not I hope it was not him who told the newspaper about his UKIP connection. Either way I'm sure many on this forum will congratulate him on his stance and/or criticise him for unnecessarily putting himself in a position where he could be taken to court.