Man jailed over unpaid council tax

Gavin Kaylhem, 34, of Lincoln Boulevard, Grimsby, was sentenced at Grimsby Magistrates’ Court after accruing a council tax debt of £1,268.54 between 2001 and 2008.

In refusing to pay, Kaylhem claimed that he was a “Freeman on the land” and had no contractual obligation to pay under Common Law.

North East Lincolnshire Council sent him 18 recovery letters and organised 12 bailiff visits, but Kaylhem returned several of the letters, writing “no contract” on them, and refused to recognise the legal authority of the court.

He failed to attend court twice this year, leading to his arrest, and when he was brought before the court, he refused to give his name, address or date of birth.

A council spokesman said after the hearing: “Kaylhem made clear his unwillingness to co-operate with the council and the courts, so the bench felt a prison term was appropriate in this case.

“We hope this sends out a clear message to others who may be minded to avoid payment. Council tax is enforceable in the courts and debts will be chased up.”