A MOTHER said she could not pay her television licence because her baby had been sick on her shoulder.

She was one of nearly 13,000 people in the North caught by TV Licensing's inquiry officers watching television without a licence in the first seven months of the year.

TV Licensing has revealed the worst excuses given to their officials by licence fee evaders in the region.

They included:

* "I couldn't make my last payment as my baby was sick on my shoulder and I didn't want to go to the shop smelling of sick because the guy I fancy works there."

* "I only watch Doctor Who, so I will only pay when the series is on."

* "A gust of wind blew the payment cheque out of my hand. I'm not going to buy a licence as someone might find the cheque and post it for me."

* "I don't actually watch TV, I just keep it for the company."

* "I haven't been paying for my TV licence because I've broken my arm."

* "My wife has her hair done twice a week, so we find it difficult to pay."

TV Licensing spokeswoman Charlotte Hancock said: "These excuses may be inventive, but they do not fool our team of inquiry officers.

"Putting the blame on someone else is not a way to avoid paying the licence fee, which could mean you risk a trip to court and a fine of up to £1,000, and you will still need to buy a TV licence."

She said TV Licensing's database showed which houses were unlicensed.

Officers also use handheld detectors and vans to target people who have ignored letters from TV Licensing officials.

A colour TV licence costs £135.50. For information about how to pay, see www.tvlicensing.co.uk or call 0870-241-5590.