A mobile caterer has been imprisoned for 57 days for failing to pay their council tax.

On February 25, at Southend Magistrates Court, Malcolm Dearman of Willow Walk, Canewdon, was committed to prison for 57 days for non payment of council tax.

Mr Dearman originally appeared in court on 30 October, 2013 in relation to council tax due on Willow Walk, for a period of 1 April, 2010, to 31 March, 2014.

The magistrates found culpable neglect on his part in failing to pay his council tax in the sum of £7,385.75 and imposed a 90 day suspended prison sentence and ordered him to pay £60 per week.

Mr Dearman failed to pay, and was brought back before the Magistrates on October 29, 2014.

Mr Dearman advised the Magistrates due to a loss in trade since Homebase, at Purdeys Way, closed as he could no longer keep up with the payments, as his unit had been sited on the Purdeys Industrial Estate.

The magistrates gave Mr Dearman one more opportunity and ordered him to pay a reduced sum of £40 per week.

Again he failed to pay and was brought back before the court on 25 February, 2015, where magistrates committed him to prison for 57 days.

The sentence had taken into consideration the total sum of £2,690 which Mr Dearman had paid.

Rochford District Councillor for governance, Cheryl Roe, said: “Clearly as a council we do not relish having to prosecute anyone for non-payment of council tax, and we do work with people who are struggling to pay. However, it is important that we take action wherever it is necessary, in the interests of all our law-abiding residents who do meet their payments.

“We have one of the highest collection rates in the country, which is important  that we maintain, as our council tax not only pays for vital services from Rochford District Council, but also the police, fire service, parish and town councils, and Essex County Council.”

If you are having difficulty paying your council tax please call 01702 318089, or visit the council offices, South Street, Rochford, between 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday.