Horsham Magistrates’ Court serves as the primary venue for handling Single Justice Procedure (SJP) cases for the West Sussex area, dealing with various summary offences across the county.
In September 2026, TV Licensing advertised for a new Field Officer role for the Brighton area with a salary of £31,650. These enforcement officers are responsible for visiting addresses suspected of watching live television or BBC iPlayer without a valid licence, which currently costs £174.50 per year.
How the Single Justice Procedure Works
For those facing prosecution, the first notification arrives as a Single Justice Procedure notice. Unlike traditional court hearings, the SJP allows a single magistrate to decide a case in private, based on written evidence, without the defendant having to attend court in person.
This process is reserved for summary-only, non-imprisonable offences. Legal experts often highlight the strict timelines involved in these proceedings. Defendants have exactly 21 days from the date the notice was issued to respond. Failure to do so often results in a conviction and fine being handed down in their absence.
Under the Communications Act 2003, watching or recording live TV on any channel, or using BBC iPlayer without a licence, is a criminal offence. Those found guilty face a maximum fine of £1,000, in addition to being ordered to pay court costs and a victim surcharge.
Fines and Reductions
The financial impact of a conviction can be mitigated by early engagement with the court. Under the SJP, defendants who enter a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity can see their fine reduced by up to 33%. However, the court does not have the power to waive the requirement for a licence; the fine is a penalty for the period of evasion and does not cover the cost of a future licence.
For those who may be struggling with the cost, TV Licensing operates a Customer Service Centre that provides information on payment plans and support. To remain legally compliant, residents must ensure they are covered if they watch “live” television on any provider—including streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Sky, or YouTube—or any content on BBC iPlayer.
If a resident does not require a licence because they do not watch live TV or use the iPlayer service, they are encouraged to file a formal “No Licence Needed” declaration to prevent further enforcement visits or legal notices.
