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Original poster

Woman prosecuted for unpaid TV licence - Single Justice Process

32 replies

RethinkingLife · 07/04/2025 11:23

I post one case here but it’s worth a look at court reporter Tristan Kirk’s timeline for more examples. I am concerned that the Single Justice Process is disproportionately affecting women and already vulnerable people.

"Please don't send me to prison" Plea from single mother with spiralling mental health problems, PTSD, using foodbanks, heavily in debt Prosecuted over unpaid TV Licence She needed help She got a conviction & a £106 bill #SingleJusticeProcedure Constituent of MattBishopMP

[Text of letter]

I am a adhd Autistic struggling single mother. When the tv agent came to my home to set up my liecense he said he would send me a payment card. I never received it, I called up twice to ask for a replacement and still nothing. I am in serious debt, I don't have a smartphone anymore or devices due to multiple bailiff's visits the last 6 months.

My mental health is spiralling I just keep getting hit I have no money no csa off my daughters dad. I'm getting by on food banks as all my money goes on debts and fines.

I'm sorry my brain doesn't allow me function properly and sort things out, I also suffer with PTSD from having cancer 3 times and am so anxious right now as I am feeling unwell again I am scared I'm going to die soon. I recieved this letter late without enough time to write and post my reply I've just ran next door to my neighbour in tears to use her laptop. I am petrified after this letter please know that I have tried to get a payment card twice it's the tv liecensing that haven't held up their end.

Please take into account my already extreme debts, please don't send me to prison I couldn't cope and neither could my daughter. I am a good person, just a struggling person. Thank you for your time.

https://x.com/kirkkorner/status/1909130267270533200

https://x.com/kirkkorner/status/1909130267270533200

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Original poster
RethinkingLife · 07/04/2025 17:20

Looking at the Evening Standard article, it seems as if it’s acknowledged that SJP is affecting those who are especially vulnerable but, despite promises to reform, the convictions and fines continue without benefit to those affected by it nor the public interest.

So many vulnerable people seem to be falling without the safety nets that should exist. And I am concerned that women (and children) are disproportionately harmed.

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JohnTheRevelator · 07/04/2025 17:14

I remember reading something a few months ago about how women were disproportionately prosecuted compared to men when it comes to not having a TV licence. I wonder why that is? 🤔

Thebloodynine · 07/04/2025 17:12

What is a TV license payment card? And why did someone come to her house to set up her license? All she had to do was go to a library and set up a direct debit for the monthly payment. I’m confused how it could have gone so wrong.

It sounds like she needs adult social services involved and a debt advice service to handle her finances.

ForestAtTheSea · 07/04/2025 17:05

This is crazy and very sad. The lady quoted in the OP probably needs a social worker who helps her with paperwork and to sort through it all. Someone who can argue on her behalf with the companies that sent bills and ask to rearrange debts to make them better manageable.

TheywontletmehavethenameIwant · 07/04/2025 16:49

Thanks for sharing the article, it's heart braking, and blood boiling at the same times, I'm a bit of a hard cow at times, but this level of callousness is off the charts.

It's run away bureaucracy, and it's only going to get worse because all the information is being fed into machines, and machines don't care they just do what they're programmed to do.
There's nothing personal about this system, there's no mitigating circumstances, no putting things into perspective, no human input at all. It's chilling and inhuman.

Original poster
RethinkingLife · 07/04/2025 11:46

Archive of Evening Standard piece on single justice procedure.

https://archive.is/tjgPB

Relatives in grief after the deaths of their loved ones are being routinely convicted in secretive court hearings for not keeping up with their household bills, The Standard can reveal.
Sons, daughters, widows, and widowers are finding themselves embroiled in criminal court proceedings in the aftermath of a death, over mistakes when dealing with the tragedy and sorting out the deceased’s affairs.
The harsh justice is being meted out in the Single Justice Procedure (SJP), a fast-track courts process where convictions for low-level crimes are handed out in private hearings.

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Original poster
RethinkingLife · 07/04/2025 11:27

I messed up thread title and have reported to request an edit.

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