The applicant complained of having been detained after failing to pay the community charge. The magistrates had committed him to prison in his absence for having culpably neglected to pay his community charge. The notice of hearing had been sent to the wrong address. Legal aid was not available, and he had not been represented.
Held: The failure to provide assistance for legal representation contravened his right to a fair hearing. There was a friendly settlement and the claimant awarded 10,000 euros.
Times 27-Jan-2005
Human Rights
Updated: 31 July 2021; Ref: scu.223070