Pirate radio rooftop ban

A man has been banned from every roof top in London after he pleaded guilty to installing pirate radio equipment on a tower block in the city, according to a report on the Ofcom website.

Kieran O’Sullivan received the anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) following a successful prosecution by Ofcom.

He also received an 18 week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months, a three month curfew, a £1,200 fine, and had his radio equipment seized.

Ofcom worked with Camden Council and police to secure the prosecution following complaints from residents about Freeze FM operating from estates in Hampstead.

Residents had complained about pirate radio operators using roof tops to install equipment, which caused a nuisance to residents and damaged council property.

Pirate radio stations are a particular problem in big cities, particularly London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester.

They can create serious consequences by interfering with the communications systems used by the ambulance, fire and police services, as well as air traffic control.

For example, their illegal broadcasts can cause problems for fire engines trying to speak to their control rooms – which could then cause serious delays in getting to fires.

You can read the full Ofcom report 'Pirate radio rooftop ban' at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consumer/2009/09/
pirate-radio-rooftop-ban/

Our thanks to Reg, G8VHI for spotting this item