Prison terms for non-payment of Council Tax - 02/10/06
Vale of Gamorgan magistrates at Barry have imposed prison
sentences on four people found guilty of failing to pay Council
Tax.
David James Marshall, of Fonmon Park Road, Rhoose, Keith Black,
formerly of Livingston Way, St Athan, Leanne Creed, formerly of
Hillary Mews, Barry, and Lynda Nash, of Plas Cleddau, Barry, had
previously appeared before magistrates when prison sentences were
imposed but suspended on repayment terms.
The four people were again summonsed to appear before
magistrates to answer the reasons why they had failed to comply
with the orders, and a Council spokesman said: "Every opportunity
was given to all four defendants to appear before the magistrates
to state the reasons for non-payment but, as they failed to appear,
the court decided to activate the suspended sentences in their
absence."
The magistrates imposed the sentences with immediate effect
giving custodial terms of 28 days, 12 days, 43 days and five days
respectively.
The spokesman added: "The Council will continue to bring Council
Tax defaulters to court for committal to prison and seek custodial
sentences in order to ensure payment is received for essential
local services."
He continued: "If a person is in genuine difficulty with the
payment of their Council Tax, then they should contact the
collection office on (01446) 709564 to discuss payment."
He further stated that, through the Council Tax benefit scheme,
reductions were available for persons on low income, and further
information could be obtained from the benefits section on (01446)
709244.