​A North Somerset man has been sent to prison for 42 days for “wilfully refusing” to pay his council tax.

Maurice Hayward, of Yatton, first appeared at North Somerset Court House on March 4, 2009, where he was found to have committed “wilful refusal”.

Committal proceedings began after he consistently failed to pay his council tax despite North Somerset Council making numerous attempts to recover the debts. Bailiffs attempted to make contact with him on several occasions and visited his home a number of times, without success.

North Somerset magistrates had previously awarded liability orders for unpaid council tax totalling almost £9,000.

At the initial court hearing, Mr Hayward was found guilty of ‘wilful refusal’ and sentenced to 90 days in prison. The sentence was suspended on the provision that he make payments of £250 per month.

 Failure to keep to this agreement resulted in Mr Hayward being brought before the court again on October 21, 2009. During this hearing, due to personal circumstances, Mr Hayward’s case was adjourned to March 3, 2010 when the prison sentence was imposed.

North Somerset Council’s executive member for finance, Councillor Tony Lake, said: “We have a duty to collect as much council tax as we can. This man has consistently failed to pay his dues and we have had no option but to bring him to court on several occasions.

"He has failed to abide by court decisions and having run out of options magistrates have sent him to prison.

"If anyone is experiencing difficulties in paying council tax they should make early contact with us. We will continue to offer help to those who can’t pay and take action against those who won’t pay.”