MAGISTRATES slashed almost £1,000 off Jason Nelmes fines bill this week, after hearing that he is facing around £6,000 worth of debt. But 36-year-old Nelmes must still pay £439.16 in compensation and back tax imposed at earlier court hearings. Nelmes tol

MAGISTRATES slashed almost £1,000 off Jason Nelmes' fines bill this week, after hearing that he is facing around £6,000 worth of debt.

But 36-year-old Nelmes must still pay £439.16 in compensation and back tax imposed at earlier court hearings.

Nelmes told Ely magistrates that he was finding it impossible to get to unpaid work sessions, and the court agreed to re-sentence him.

Back in April Nelmes, of Silvery Way, Ashley, had been ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work for an offence of theft. He had managed to complete 61 hours of the work.

Magistrates agreed to revoke Nelmes' work order, and replaced it with a 12-month conditional discharge.