Magistrates impose prison sentence on Penarth council tax defaulter (From Penarth Times)

Magistrates impose prison sentence on Penarth council tax defaulter

7:40am Thursday 20th September 2012 in News

CARDIFF and Vale Magistrates imposed a prison sentence on a Penarth resident earlier this month, after she was found guilty of failing to pay council tax.

The hearing at the Magistrates Court in Cardiff on Thursday, September 6, heard how Karen Jones, of Cosmeston Drive, had been arrested on an outstanding warrant for non-payment of council tax and held in custody for the hearing to commence.

The Magistrates considered the evidence given by the defendant and her solicitor, including the defendant’s reason for non-payment.

After careful consideration of the evidence, the Magistrates found her guilty of wilful refusal to pay her outstanding debt to the local authority and imposed an immediate custodial sentence of 45 days. The defendant was detained in custody.

The Vale Council said it will 'continue to bring persistent council tax defaulters to court and seek custodial sentences in order to ensure payment for essential local services'.

* In the event that a person has genuine difficulty with the payment of their council tax, they should contact the council tax collection office on 01446 709564 to discuss payment.

* Reductions are available through the council tax benefit scheme for low income council tax payers, more information is available from the benefits office on 01446 709244.