A LANDLORD has been banned by a judge from playing music at his pub.

Gary Soakell was due at London's High Court for playing music in the Turbinia, at Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, without a licence.

Mr Soakell, who was not at court and was not represented, was banned by the judge from playing music at the premises until he takes out a music licence.

If he disobeys the ban, he could be sent to prison for two years and be fined up to £10,000.

He also faces a legal bill of £1,132, which must be paid in 14 days.

The order was imposed by Mr Justice Lawrence Collins after he heard that Soakell, formerly of the Tap and Spile, in Darlington, was caught playing music at the premises when he did not hold a Phonographic Performance (PPL) Limited licence.

The judge was told by Simon Malynicz, for PPL, that one of their inspectors called at the premises in November last year and heard songs, including Kylie Minogue's Can't Get You Out Of My Head being played, even though no licence was in force.

The ban applies to all forms of recorded music.