A COUNCIL tax dodger is serving a month-long jail sentence for failing to pay his £4,205 bill.
Matthew Edem, formerly of Beacontree Road, Leytonstone, was jailed for 28 days after attempting to avoid paying his council tax.
Edem, who now lives in Aldborough Court, Ilford, was originally arrested in February and bailed for a subsequent court appearance, which he did not attend.
Council officers tracked him down to his Ilford address.
He appeared at Waltham Forest Magistrates' Court on August 18, where he was found guilty of wilful refusal and culpable neglect of paying his council tax.
He is the third person arrested for suspected council tax avoidance in three months.
Cllr Afzal Akram, cabinet member for corporate resources, said: “If someone is digging their heels in and refusing to pay then we’ll make sure they have their day in court.
“Most people might not like paying their council tax, but ultimately they realise that doing so goes towards the things that keep our borough ticking.”
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