'Pay to get rid of Sky Sports? I'm not even into it'

David Mills, from Colchester, received an email from Virgin Media saying he was being charged £31 for the Sky Sport collection.

Mr Mills said he has never asked for this channel, and so called them the next working day to dispute the charge.

He said: "I have been told time and time again the only thing that could be done was for me to cancel Sky Sport, but I would have to give a months notice which means I have to pay £31 for something no-one in this house has asked for.

"My son is 28 but has autism and has no idea what any of the pass codes are, my wife finds it hard just to use a remote control let alone order Sky Sports, which she would have no reason to do as, like me, she is not into sport."

He told Virgin Media he has never had any correspondence with them to arrange paying for Sky Sports.

He ended up paying to cancel the channel, but is not happy about losing money on something which was never ordered in the first place.

He said: "£31 might not mean or be a lot to [others] but when you cannot work as you have a son to look after it is a great deal to us."

Mr Mills, of Horrocks Close, sent a letter of complaint to Virgin Media, and they sent the following response on October 5.

It said: "We are really sorry you are not happy with the service you are getting from us. You can be confident we'll do everything we can to ensure it's put right.

"A member of our customer complaints department will take ownership of your complaint, will investigate the issues raised and will be in contact with you shortly."

They said they aimed to be in touch within two weeks but Mr Mills has not heard anything back.

He said: "I'm feeling very angry as they were trying to say I was a liar and would not entertain the idea I had not ordered Sky Sport.

"I have since dropped all I have with them down to the most basic package as I feel I do not want to give them any more money than I have to."

Virgin Media has been approached for further comment.