Courts / Dublin / Report

'Dodgy box' provider avoids jail

Date
2023-12-11

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Noel Robinson, 50, pleaded guilty to possessing 81 Android TV boxes that bypass Sky's subscription system. The boxes, sold from his Ballyfermot home, allowed users to watch Sky without paying the €126 monthly fee. Robinson had no prior convictions and had been a law‑abiding citizen, though he had an alcohol addiction until February 2020. Gardaí seized the boxes after a Sky anti‑piracy investigator identified a listing on Adverts.ie. Robinson cooperated fully during the search and admitted to the offence. The prosecution estimated a potential loss of €102,060 to Sky. Judge Orla Crowe imposed an 18‑month prison sentence, suspended in full for three years on strict conditions. Robinson's profits were €13,625, largely spent on alcohol, and he has two autistic sons and a son who is a chef. The case prompted him to stop drinking.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Dodgy box' provider avoids jail. Charges or matters: possessing the boxes, which contain protection-defeating software, in his home at Le Fanu Road, Ballyfermot, on February 14, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

February 14, 2019 Incident
February 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
January 2019 Incident
February 14 Other
2023-12-11 Publication

Case subjects

Noel Robinson

Defendant

Charges: possessing the boxes, which contain protection-defeating software, in his home at Le Fanu Road, Ballyfermot, on February 14, 2019 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Crowe imposed an 18-month prison sentence, which she suspended in full for three years on strict conditions.