Council tax prisoner returns home

Giovanni Di Stefano has paid Mr Frost's council tax arrears

An elderly man jailed for unpaid council tax has been released after a controversial lawyer paid the arrears.

Retired seaman George Frost, 74, from Dover, Kent, was sent to prison by magistrates for not paying the £991.41.

Giovanni Di Stefano, who defended Slobodan Milosevic, said no pensioner should be jailed for not being able to pay and has taken up Mr Frost's case.

Dover District Council defended its decision on Wednesday and said using the courts was "a last resort".

It added: "The issue of sentencing at this final stage is a matter for the magistrates."

Notorious clients

A spokesman for the council said: "We will always work with individuals at every step before a case is presented to magistrates court.

"This includes personal visits, welfare advice and working with the Citizen's Advice Bureau."

The council said benefits were available and widely publicised, and it encouraged people who were having difficulties to come forward.

Mr Di Stefano's previous clients have included M25 killer Kenneth Noye and serial killer Harold Shipman.

He has also offered to defend former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

He said sending Mr Frost to prison was contrary to the Human Rights Act and will use the case to challenge the government.