Council tax dodger is put behind bars.

A RUGBY woman has been sentenced to 44 days in jail for failing to pay her council tax.

Donna Clusker, of Wigston Road, owed pounds 4,656 in tax dating back to 2003.

In July 2008, the town's magistrates imposed a sentence of 35 days in prison for each of the three years of unpaid council tax, suspended on the condition the debt was repaid in full over a number of months.

Clusker failed to maintain the required payments despite being given further opportunities to bring the payments up-to-date.

At the hearing on Wednesday, two further years were taken into account and Clusker was sentenced to serve 44 days of the originally imposed sentence.

Adam Norburn, the council's head of resources, said: "This clearly shows that Rugby Borough Council will not tolerate non-payment of council tax and that it will take appropriate action against those that refuse to pay.

"The law-abiding people of Rugby expect and deserve nothing less.

"I would remind people that while we take a hard line against anyone that refuses to pay their council tax, help is always available for people who are experiencing problems. I would urge anyone that is having difficulties to call the council for advice."