A DEFIANT council-tax rebel who has already been jailed three times for not paying his bill was escorted from a court room by police.

George Thistleton, 74, refused to leave Chorley Magistrates' Court after JPs said they would delay sentencing for five weeks, giving him time to pay the £700 bill.

Mr Thistleton, a retired rubber factory worker, objected to the delay, saying he had been prepared to go to jail, had packed his bag and had arranged for someone to look after his home.

As the magistrates stood up to leave, Mr Thistleton said: "I'm staying here, I'm not happy with what's happened here today.

"This is bureaucracy, not democracy."

He stayed in the court room for around 20 minutes until a police officer arrived and persuaded him to leave.

Mr Thistleton, who has spent 84 days in Preston Prison over the past 18 months, appeared in court on February 26 to be sentenced for non-payment of his 2003/4 council tax bill.

The claimant's solicitor, Mr Ian Burton, said: "Mr Thistleton has admitted he has sufficient funds in the building society to pay the sum.

"We have used all methods available to us to collect it."

Representing himself, Mr Thistleton said: "I will rot in prison before I pay my council tax.

"I have worked from the age of 14 to 65 in a pretty poor job and served my time in the Army and got nothing back in return.

"There's no policing, I've been burgled six times."

Chairing the bench, Mrs Janette Rigby said Mr Thistleton had shown 'wilful neglect' to pay his bill.

"We have heard that you have the means to pay but that you refuse to do so.

"I am very disappointed that you have not sought legal representation and suggest you consult a solicitor before your next appearance."

Mrs Rigby adjourned the case for five weeks to allow Mr Thistleton time to pay.