A POOLE man has been sentenced to 70 days in prison after failing to pay his council tax.

Ian Thorniley, of Southill Road, appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court on Thursday to face six complaints for committal to prison for non-payment of the tax on dates between April 2013 and April 2017.

The total amount owed is some £6,508.74, it was heard.

The 59-year-old was sent to prison after the court heard he had made a 'wilful refusal' to pay the money.

Magistrates said: "No other method of enforcement is appropriate as we find Ian Thorniley wilfully refused."

Other options, including high court or county court proceedings, were not considered appropriate for the case, it was said.