New Malden man jailed for Council Tax evasion

A New Malden man has been jailed for failing to pay over £8,000 in council tax to Kingston Council. Mr. Richard Wheller was sentenced to 42 days imprisonment after Kingston Magistrates’ Court found him guilty of council tax evasion.

The case, which had been ongoing since September 2006, finally reached its conclusion last week. The court heard that Richard Wheller, of Blakes Lane, New Malden, owed Kingston Council £8,831 in unpaid council tax, accrued between 2004 and 2010.

Mr Wheller had already received a 42 day suspended sentence from a previous hearing in January 2009, where he was given the opportunity to repay the debt at a rate of £100 a week. However, no payments had been received since December 2009 and the Council therefore decided to go ahead with committal proceedings.

Taking into account the reasons why Mr. Wheller had failed to repay the debt, the Magistrates committed Mr. Wheller to prison for a total of 42 days.

Commenting on the case, Mrs. Mary Tam, Kingston’s Head of Revenue and Benefit Services, said: “This is the first committal for council tax evasion in the borough, and sends a clear message that non payers will be committed to prison should they continue to default after every step has been taken to obtain payment from them.

“Kingston Council will pursue non-payers and prosecute where necessary. However, we make every effort to help people who are having real financial difficulties. “Defaulters are sent at least three notices including a reminder and summons informing them of the amount to be paid. These notices advise residents that if they are in financial difficulty they should contact the Council. Unfortunately many customers do not make contact.”

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