Almost a third fail to appear for TV licence court cases

Judge Anthony Halpin warned on Thursday that a defendant who is fined must still get a licence under the Broadcasting Act, and 'that is the law'

Over 70s can get a free TV licence as part of the Household Benefits Package. Some under 70 may also qualify for the benefit and a free licence. File picture

Just over 30% of Dublin defendants facing TV licence prosecutions on Thursday failed to turn up to court and were convicted and fined in their absence.

Dublin District Court's special list for dealing with people who fail to pay the annual €160 fee was split into three sessions with 136 defendants. They had been summonsed after licence inspectors called to their homes in Dublin 12, Dublin 16, Dublin 22 and Dun Laoghaire on dates in September last year.