STUDENTS in Bridgwater are being warned to make sure they have a valid TV licence after 50 young people in the area were prosecuted for failing to be correctly licenced in the past year.

TV Licensing is reminding young people in the Sedgmoor area they could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 if they are caught watching live TV, on any device, without a TV Licence.

One 24-year-old woman from Bridgwater was found guilty of watching live TV without a licence and ordered to pay a £200 fine, £90 court costs and £20 victim surcharge.

Richard Chapman, spokesperson for TV Licensing South West, said: “Watching live TV on any device is illegal without a TV Licence and could result in prosecution and fine of up to £1,000.”

A licence is needed to watch or record live TV on any device including a laptop, tablet or mobile phone.