Mr Porter was ordered to pay his outstanding council tax

Peter Porter, a 70-year-old retired aircraft engineer, refused to pay the full 14% increase on his council tax bill from Poole Borough Council.

Instead, he increased his direct debit by 2.6% - the same percentage as pensions have risen.

But on Wednesday, Mr Porter was ordered to pay the �458 due of his council tax and �50 costs by East Dorset Magistrates' Court.

We are a country that is proud of our heritage and proud of our sense of fair play but this simply isn't fair Peter Porter

He decided to pay, after being warned at the civil hearing brought by the council that otherwise bailiffs would be instructed to recover the sum.

Mr Porter, of Hawkchurch Gardens, Canford Heath, Dorset, had earlier said: "Pensioners are being robbed from both ends. We are simply getting poorer and poorer.

"We are a country that is proud of our heritage and proud of our sense of fair play but this simply isn't fair."

Councillor Neil Sorton, portfolio holder for resources at the council, said: "Everyone has a statutory right to pay their council tax in 10 instalments throughout the year.

"If payments are not made in full for whatever reason, the council is duty-bound to commence action to recover any outstanding balances."