Courts / Dublin / Report
Customer service agent for 'dodgy box' operation avoids jail
Summary
Ken Costello, 49, pleaded guilty to copyright infringement and dishonest computer operation for a 'dodgy box' scheme that streamed premium TV via altered set‑top boxes. He acted as a "customer service" agent on social media, offering support to users of the illegal service. The court found he provided unauthorised access to Sky Sports and Sky Cinema between March and September 2018, and that money from sales was funneled through a PayPal account belonging to his wife and then to his bank. Costello had no prior convictions. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a 15‑month prison term, fully suspended on strict conditions, after noting his cooperation and the confiscation of €22,000 he had received. The case highlighted the operation's use of social media advertising and the role of a secondary player in the enterprise. The sentence was delivered in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Customer service agent for 'dodgy box' operation avoids jail. Charges or matters: infringing a copyright without the consent of the owner at a location within Co Dublin between March 19, 2018 and September 11, 2018; dishonestly operating a computer with the intention of making a gain at his address during the same period. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 19, 2018 Other
- September 11, 2018 Other
- 2022-01-18 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: infringing a copyright without the consent of the owner at a location within Co Dublin between March 19, 2018 and September 11, 2018; dishonestly operating a computer with the intention of making a gain at his address during the same period (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Sheahan sentenced Costello to 15 months imprisonment but suspended the sentence in its entirety on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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