A SHOPKEEPER appeared at crown court today in a court case which could change how the laws on the sale of TV Kodi boxes are dealt with by the authorities.

Brian Thompson, 54, of Barnaby Avenue, Middlesbrough did not enter a formal plea but a provisional trial date has been set at Teesside Crown Court.

Kodi, or Android, boxes are legally sold but Middlesbrough Council's trading standards officers argue they should not be 'pre-loaded,' making access to Sky broadcast football matches easily available and free.

Paul Fleming, defending, asked for more time because what is a potentially landmark case involves complicated technical and copyright issues. Expert opinion was needed.

Judge Deborah Sherwin agreed to adjourn the case until a further hearing on a date after January 17 next year. A possible two to three-day trial is scheduled to start on May 8 next year – but that is dependant on what is agreed on the earlier hearing.

Mr Thompson was granted unconditional bail.