Comedy excuses from TV spongers

Sep 6 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

THE region’s worst excuses for people not paying their television licences include blaming Dr Who, the weather and baby sick.

The TV Licensing Authority yesterday revealed some of the more ridiculous reasons given by those caught red-handed.

“I only watch Doctor Who, so I will only pay when the series is on,” was the reason given by one of the 5,300 people caught without a licence in Liverpool so far this year.

The top excuses given to TV Licensing’s enquiry officers by licence fee evaders in the region included: “A gust of wind blew the payment cheque out of my hand. I’m not going to buy a licence as someone might find the cheque and post it.”

“I don’t actually watch TV, I just keep it for the company.”

“You'll have to excuse me but I can’t think straight, my girlfriend hit me on the head with a hammer, but I deserved it.”

“I couldn't make my last payment as my baby was sick on my shoulder and I didn't want to go to the shop smelling of sick because the guy I fancy works there.”

Charlotte Hancock, TV Licensing spokesperson for Liverpool, said: “These excuses may be inventive but they don’t fool our team of enquiry officers.”