These Are The Ridiculous Reasons People Give For Not Paying Their TV Licence

The reasons that people give so that they can avoid paying the TV licence have been revealed - and some of them are utterly bizarre.

Some people just don’t have the money or don’t even own a television, but one person told officials that he was the king of Scotland so he didn’t have to pay.

Another person claimed to have been abducted by aliens and refused to pay as the Government didn’t believe them.

One person even cheekily tried to claim a free licence for their elderly turtle after it turned 80, while another worryingly explained he was being evicted for stabbing a man in the head.

The full list was revealed by TV Licensing Scotland and each excuse has been turned into a short film by students at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee.

Excuses: One person said their elderly turtle meant they should get a free TV license (Rex)

They will then be judged by YouTube viewers to see which one is the best.

TV Licensing Scotland spokesman Jason Hill said: “The students’ animations are highly imaginative but we’re not so impressed with the creative approach to excuses, as watching or recording live TV without a licence is against the law.

“Even though we’re effective at catching evaders, we’d always prefer people pay than risk a maximum £1,000 fine.”

Top 10 excuses for not paying the TV license:

1. “I don’t have to pay as I’m the King of Scotland.”
2. ”I was abducted by aliens. As the Government don’t believe me, I’m refusing to pay my bills.”
3. “I have no television. It’s a microwave.”
4. “I only use the TV at night. I put the goldfish bowl in front of it at night. It helps the fish get to sleep.”
5. “The TV is only on for my parrot, Captain Jack Sparrow, who is learning the theme tune to Bargain Hunt.”
6. “I sent my man to the Co-op two months ago and he got done for shoplifting. I have not seen him since. He gets out next month, so I can pay it then.”
7. “I have a black-and-white licence. I only turn the colour on when my granddaughter comes and puts the music channels on.”
8. “Our pet turtle Betty turns 80 this December – do we get her free TV licence?”
9. “My cat is in labour, so I don’t have time to talk to you.”
10. “I don’t need a licence because I’m getting evicted for stabbing a guy in the head.”

You can view and vote for the films at youtube.com/tvlicensing