A PENSIONER has been forced to back down by a court in his battle against council tax rises.

Fred Estall, 80, had refused to pay his council tax until someone explained what his money was being spent on and had even said he would go to prison before coughing up.

But this morning he was ordered by magistrates to pay the outstanding sum of £452 immediately.

Before eventually agreeing to the order, he launched a tirade against council chiefs who had taken the matter before Southampton Magistrates' Court.

Flanked by a group of more than ten supporters holding placards, Mr Estall told the bench: "This is totally unfair. I think it's an utter disgrace.

"I'm an honest citizen. I've paid my way all my life without question."

Council bosses from Eastleigh claimed they had sent out several letters to Mr Estall's home in Foord Road, Hedge End, demanding he meet monthly payments.

However, in court Mr Estall denied ever receiving the requests to pay up.

He told the court: "I never received the letters. If someone had sent me a letter they would have got their money.

"This summons is in breach of the law and I ask you to dismiss it. I wanted someone to come and see me about it (the council tax).

"It's a statutory requirement that I have at least two notices before I am summoned to court. Had I had that final letter I would have paid."

The pensioner was also ordered to pay £30 towards court costs.

Mr Estall left the court to rapturous applause from protesters, who shouted to council officials that they should be ashamed of themselves.

Outside the court Mr Estall told the Daily Echo: "This may be a court of law but to me there is no justice. I don't object to paying my rates but I object to all the money that vanishes without explanation."