A woman has been given a suspended prison sentence after failing to pay her council tax.

Susan Davies, of Beaufort Avenue, High Harrington, was prosecuted by Allerdale council after failing to pay £1,610.65 of outstanding tax from 2016/17.

Davies was found guilty at West Cumbria Magistrates Court in Workington.

She was given a 45-day prison sentence, suspended on condition that she pays the debt by monthly instalments.

An Allerdale council spokesman said the prosecution was brought after numerous attempts to contact Davies.

Councillor Konrad Hansen, executive member for transformation, said: “Applying to the magistrates to send someone to prison for failing to pay their council tax is a last resort which we don’t take lightly.

"The council has a zero tolerance approach to the non-payment of council tax, which pays for essential services that we all receive.

"The prosecution is a culmination of a long process over many months where all previous attempts to obtain payment have proved fruitless.

"Anyone having difficulty keeping up with payments is advised to contact us at the earliest opportunity so that we can offer what support is needed and to discuss repayment options."