A man from Liverpool has received a prison sentence of three years and four months after confessing to running an illegal “Firestick” streaming service. Jonathan Edge, 29, was given a substantial sentence after admitting guilt to three charges under the Fraud Act. The case was led by the Premier League, Merseyside Police, and FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft), representing a strong initiative against illegal streaming. Edge advertised his services on Facebook and through recommendations, running the illegal operation from his home, where he loaded content onto Firestick devices for payment. The Premier League’s efforts to combat unauthorized game broadcasts not only target individuals but also involve shops, bars, and restaurants. The penalties are intended to serve as a strong warning, emphasizing the significant financial consequences of illegal streaming, which results in millions of dollars lost each year for the industry. Detective Sergeant Steve Frame of Merseyside Police stated, “Merseyside Police is dedicated to collaborating on the investigation of intellectual property theft, and we appreciate the sentence given to Edge today.” He also cautioned that the repercussions of illegal TV streaming are severe, and this instance should act as a reminder of how seriously copyright infringement is taken. The Premier League uses sophisticated anti-piracy technology to detect and eliminate illegal streams. Kevin Plumb, the Premier League’s General Counsel, commented after a major legal win, saying: “The harsh sentence given to the individual involved emphasizes the seriousness of his actions, and we appreciate the support from Merseyside Police during the case.” He added, “We will keep taking legal action against anyone providing unauthorized access to Premier League football, no matter how big or small their operation is.” Disregarding warnings to stop only intensified the person’s consequences.
