A Prescot man has been handed a 32-month sentence suspended for three years for running Ozzy Streams, an illegal IPTV service offering unauthorised access to content belonging to Sky, TNT Sports, and the Premier League.

Craig Austin, 38, of Keats Avenue, Whiston, pleaded guilty in July to three counts of making or supplying an article for use in fraud and one count of acquiring, using, or possessing criminal property relating to assets and profits from the illegal operation. Along with the suspended sentence, Austin is required to participate in rehabilitation activities and to carry out 150 hours of unpaid community service.

The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) began investigating Ozzy Streams in January 2023 and identified Austin as the person behind the operation. The service was promoted via a social media account with over 1,500 followers. The investigation found that he made £205,000 from the illegal streaming operation between January 2020 and August 2025.

FACT passed its findings to Merseyside Police in April 2025. Officers executed a warrant four months later, and Austin was subsequently prosecuted.

Nick Sumner, Investigations Manager at FACT, said:

“Illegal streaming services undermine rights holders and broadcasters, as well as the many people who pay to access content legitimately.”

“This case shows how intelligence-led investigations and close cooperation with law enforcement can identify the people behind illegal services and bring them before the courts. We welcome the action taken by Merseyside Police.”

Constable Andrea Thompson of Merseyside Police’s Cybercrime Unit said:

“Craig Austin advertised Ozzy Streams through a social media account with more than 1,500 followers. Acting on intelligence from FACT, our officers executed a warrant and built the case that led to his prosecution. Merseyside Police is committed to working in collaboration to investigate intellectual property theft, and we will continue to target these services and the people who run them.”