A MIDDLESBROUGH businessman has pleaded not guilty to breaking the law by selling android television boxes.

It is the first prosecution of its kind by a local authority.

Brian Thompson is accused of selling pre-loaded digital boxes that enable people to view a multitude of television channels without paying a subscription fee.

The boxes – commonly known as Kodi boxes ­–­ allow people access to Premier League football, pay-to-view television and the latest movies.

The 54-year-old, of Barnaby Avenue, is charged with selling Android and Kodi boxes which were adapted for the purpose of enabling or facilitating the circumvention of effective technological measures.

Teesside Magistrates’ Court heard the businessman, who trades at Cut Price Tomo Tvs, faced three charges between March last year and January this year brought by Middlesbrough Council’s Trading Standards team.

There have been several raids carried out across the UK, but this is the first prosecution that has been brought by any local authority.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges and will face trial at Teesside Crown Court next month.