R. Merseywaves

R. Jackie North

M. A. R.

Central Radio Int.

Station M

R Julie

Concept Radio

Wirral FM

R. Xanadu

Liverpool Pirate R.

Storeton Comm. R.

 

Concept News

Pirate Files

Compiled by Jim Lowe from Newspaper Articles


Julie FM 104.8


Andrew Dobbing, known as Andy Davies of Radio Julie (Merseyside) sadly died in August 2005.


(Liverpool Echo, Wednesday May 30th 1987)

End of the line for Radio Julie

A Ford Estate flat, which which was being used as the base for a pirate radio station, was raided by the Department of Trade and Industry officials, Wirral Magistrates were told. Later the disk jockey using the name Andy Davies, started broadcasting again from a new address, using the name Julie FM.

A second raid followed and further equipment confiscated.

Seized

Andy Dobbing, 22. of Woodchurch, admitted two offences of using apparatus for wireless telegraphy without a licence, and one offence of of installing apparatus for wireless telegraphy.

Mr. Stephen McPeake, defending, said that Dobbing broke the law through his enthusiasm. There was no gain whatsoever for him. Mr. McPeake said he could not object to an application for the equipment to be forfeited. This would cost Dobbing about 500 Pounds.

The court imposed fines totalling 150 Pounds plus 50 Pounds costs and said the penalties would have been much higher but for the fact that "Davies" was drawing benefit. The magistrates also made the forfeiture order.

(Liverpool Echo, 20/05/87)


(Wirral News, 29th April 1987)

Raid on pirate Radio Julie

Department of Trade and industry officers investigated after radio transmissions were picked up coming from a flat at Ford Towers, Birkenhead. A search warrant was obtained and radio equipment was found in one room and transmitting material in another room, Mr Sean Sexton told Wirral magistrates. Andy Dobbing, who was present, admitted operating under the name of Andy Davies and the equipment was seized.

Six months later, said MR. Sexton, more transmissions were discovered coming from a flat at Woodchurch, with the call sign Julie FM used. Again , equipment was seized.  Dobbing admitted operating the equipment, which he said had been installed in December.

Dobbing, 22, of Woodchurch, admitted two offences of using apparatus for wireless telegraphy without a licence. and one of installing apparatus for wireless telegraphy without a licence. The magistrates said they were concerned at the continuation of broadcasts by "Davies" after he was first seen and interviewed in August. They asked for a social enquiry report and adjourned sentence until May 19th.

Mr. Sexton asked that the some of the equipment seized be forfeited. He also claimed 200 Pounds costs. Mr Stephen McPeake, defending, said Dobbing was a self-taught electronics enthusiast. He broke the law, but not for his own gain. He was unemployed and it was a way of occupying his time. Mr. McPeake said there was no evidence of interference being caused by the station which had benefited local charities by advertising events which were taking place.

(Wirral News, 29th April 1987)


Liverpool Echo Friday April 24 1987

Pirate DJ walks the plank

ELECTRONICS wizard Andy Dobbing took to the airwaves as a pirate disc jockey The self-taught radio expert sent out illegal I broadcasts in Wirral to 'fill in life on the dole. But he was caught by the Department of Trade and Industry .  Dobbing, aged 22 of Woodchurch called his station Radio Julie, and appeared as DJ Andy Davies.

Wirral magistrates heard how officials picked up his signal and raided a flat at Ford Towers Birkenhead. He was interviewed, but continued to broadcast until another raid six months later, in Woodchurch. He admitted using wireless apparatus without a licence. Sentence was delayed for four weeks for a s social report.

(Liverpool Echo Friday April 24th 1987)


Wednesday April 22nd 1987

Pirate DJ Walks the plank.

ELECTRONICS wizard Andy Dobbing took to the airwaves as a pirate disc jockey The self-taught radio expert sent out illegal broadcasts in Wirral to fill in life on the dole. But he was caught by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dobbing, 22, of Woodchurch, called his station Radio Julie, and appeared as DJ Andy Davis. Wirral magistrates heard how officials picked up his signal and raided a flat at Ford Towers. Birkenhead.

He was interviewed, but continued to broadcast until another raid, six months later, in Woodchurch. He admitted using wireless apparatus without a licence. Sentence was delayed four weeks for a social report. .

Wednesday April 22nd 1987


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