A man from Appleton has served a six day prison sentence after breaching a committal order requiring him to pay council tax arrears.
Leslie Brett, 57, from Netherton Road, Appleton, Abingdon, was found to have breached a suspended committal order at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Monday 24 October which had been imposed on him in 2011 after he failed to pay his council tax. Under the order Brett had been sentenced to 28 days in prison, suspended upon him paying £40 per month towards his council tax arrears.
In 2015 a large proportion of his arrears were paid off by the British Legion Benevolent Fund, however Brett then failed to make any payments towards the remaining £1,300 debt.
Magistrates heard how, despite repeated reminders and offers of assistance, as well as not making any payments he had also failed to contact Vale of White Horse District Council to explain his circumstances.
In sentencing Brett, the District Judge took into account the payments already received and therefore reduced the time from 28 days to six.
Cllr Matthew Barber, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “It’s very important that everyone pays their fair share for the services we provide. If someone has difficulty keeping up with payments we can offer payment plans and support. Other local services, such as Citizens Advice, are also on hand to help out.”