Prison sentence for non-payment (From Barry And District News)

Prison sentence for non-payment

A BARRY man has been sent to prison for 21 days for failing to pay his pay his council tax.

Robert Allen, of Shakespeare Road, appeared before Vale of Glamorgan magistrates at Barry to explain his failure to comply with a previous court decision. This carried a warning that a custodial sentence would be implemented if he failed to maintain monthly repayments of arrears.

The court heard from the Vale Council that Allen had made no council tax payments for the last three months and there was a debt of £870.71 covering a period from April 1, 1994, to March 31, 2001.

Mr Allen was unable to offer any valid reasons for non payment, and the magistrates imposed the sentence with immediate effect.

The council commented: "It is important these non-council tax payers are sent a clear message that the council will not hold back from taking committal action."

They added: "Anyone in genuine difficulties with council tax payments should contact the collection office on 01446 709564 to discuss payment."

They also stated, through the council tax benefit scheme, reductions were available for council taxpayers on low income, and further information could be obtained from the benefits section on 01446 709244.

The magistrates also imposed a suspended prison sentence on another local man found guilty of a similar offence.

Jemell Abdell Nassar Asfi, of Main Road, Church Village, Pontypridd, was arrested under a warrant issued by magistrates at a previous hearing and held in custody by bailiffs prior to his court appearance.

Asfi was warned that a 35 day custodial term would be implemented if he failed to pay off arrears of £1,833.01 at a rate of £100 per month.