Council tax three let off prison

Three Wiltshire residents have received suspended prison sentences for not paying their council tax.

Leonard Harford, 50, from Trowbridge, Brent Cornelious of Corsley, and Zoe Carroll, 20, of Atworth, were all found guilty of culpable neglect.

The hearing, at Chippenham Magistrates' Court, heard how Mr Harford owed £1,665, Mr Cornelius owed £1,293 and Miss Carroll owed £804.

All received suspended prison sentences dependent on weekly payments.

Councillor Trevor Corbin said: "Help is available for anyone who has genuine difficulties in paying their council tax.

"However, we will take action when people wilfully do not pay their council tax, and the courts have shown that they view such behaviour very seriously."