A CHEF was jailed for three months today because he failed to pay off his council tax arrears. Selim Uddin, a failed restaurateur and father of three, owes almost £4,500, with some of the debt dating back as far as 2004. A year ago Uddin had promised to p

A CHEF was jailed for three months today because he failed to pay off his council tax arrears.

Selim Uddin, a failed restaurateur and father of three, owes almost £4,500, with some of the debt dating back as far as 2004.

A year ago Uddin had promised to pay £80 a month to pay the debt - but managed to make only one payment, District Judge Ken Sheraton was told at Wisbech courthouse on Tuesday.

Prosecuting for Fenland District Council, Carol Cracknell said Uddin had been given every opportunity to comply. He had even been advised to claim Council Tax benefit, but he had not done that, so his family had missed out on £1,000 in benefit.

She said he had ignored letters and other correspondence, and she asked the Judge to jail Uddin for neglecting to pay.

He had been summoned to appear before the court in February this year but failed to answer bail and had been arrested on a warrant before his appearance on Tuesday.

Uddin, of Railway Road, Wisbech, had been in and out of work as a chef over the past year, he told the court. Although he had money at one time, he had used it for other things.

Solicitor Andrew Spence said the family had debt problems and said Uddin's main problem with council tax started after he lost his restaurant business.

Despite Uddin offering to pay £60 a month off the arrears, the Judge found that Uddin was guilty of culpable neglect by not paying his council tax of £4,414.68, and jailed him for three months.

He said Uddin he could be released earlier if the money was paid.