A popular TikTok personality avoided imprisonment after using Facebook to unlawfully stream Sky TV content to a large audience. Simon Hannigan, known as ‘Dad the Dish’ with over 500,000 TikTok followers, utilized Facebook groups as a platform to share unauthorized streaming links.
Hannigan admitted guilt to engaging in deceitful business practices as an independent trader, concealing and transferring illicit funds, and offering services in violation of copyright regulations. Investigations revealed that he distributed Sky TV log-ins enabling access to over 3,500 channels for customers.
Following his arrest in March 2022, Simon confessed to sharing links but denied violating copyright laws, claiming lack of control over the system. A significant hub supporting the operation, serving 50 million users worldwide, was based in Europe.
Financial records disclosed that Hannigan received payments labeled as “paid adverts” from customers, totaling £151,112 from 2,644 transactions. Acknowledging the total amount exceeded £152,000 with additional transfers, Simon admitted to the figures presented in court.
Reports indicated that Hannigan had transformed his life positively post-arrest and established a business named Munchieboxuk, assisting local eateries by selling their food at reduced delivery charges compared to other services. Renowned as “Dad the Dish” on TikTok and Instagram, he shares culinary content on his platforms, accumulating 6.4 million likes on TikTok videos alone.
Simon Hannigan was handed a two-year suspended sentence and mandated to complete 250 hours of unpaid work at Preston Crown Court this week.
