Paddy Roy Bates was a British businessman and pirate radio broadcaster, best known for founding the micronation of Sealand. In 1967, he occupied an abandoned military fort in the North Sea, declaring it an independent state. Bates aimed to create a haven for free speech and alternative media. Bates operated Sealand for decades, facing various legal challenges and attempts by the British government to assert control over the platform. Despite these challenges, he maintained his claim to sovereignty until his death in 2019, leaving behind a unique legacy in the realm of micronations and offshore broadcasting.