A YORK man who claims to be the victim of ten years of "horrendous violence" has appeared in court after refusing to pay his council tax in protest.

Philip Nicholson, 48, of Alcuin Avenue, Tang Hall, York, told York magistrates that his house had been smashed up and that he had endured physical and verbal abuse. He also told the court there had been two arson attempts on his home last year.

Nicholson told magistrates: "The council has a duty of care. They are responsible for the tenants in their houses and their tenants have been causing a tremendous amount of damage to the property. In the last ten years I've done a huge amount to try and address these problems.

"I think it's absolutely appalling in all the years I've had to put up with these problems that not one person has been prosecuted.

"I'm paying taxes for services I'm not receiving from the police or the council.

"I think the council and the police should be held accountable for what they haven't done."

But City Of York Council said Nicholson should still pay his council tax while pursuing his complaints. Magistrates said that while they had sympathy with him, the council tax was lawfully due no matter how poor the services were perceived to be and that therefore they would allow a liability order.

Nicholson will now have to produce information about his earnings or income so a payment plan can be agreed with the council.

North Yorkshire Police said the two suspected arson attacks on Nicholson's home had been fully investigated by the police.

They said that despite their best efforts, the inquiries were finalised without any suspects being identified. Their records showed he had not reported any incidents of vandalism or anti-social behaviour to them.

A City Of York Council spokesperson said: "Mr Nicholson has informed us that he has been experiencing problems, but it is a legal requirement for residents to pay council tax, unless they are exempt. If Mr Nicholson has been the victim of attacks on his home, we would urge him to contact the police immediately."