A man from Calne couldn't pay his outstanding fee of £549.50 imposed eight years ago because he had to quit his job to look after his ill wife, a court has heard.

Ajmoli Ali of William Street came before magistrates sitting at North Wiltshire Magistrates Court on Thursday where he explained why he had not made a payment towards the fine since July of last year.

"Most of it has already been paid but £500 is left," Ali told the magistrates. "They contacted my employers and asked me to pay but something happened to my wife and kids and I had to leave my job.

"I called them last week and I said I cannot pay £40 a week because I am on benefits again and my wife is ill, so I agreed to come to court and talk about it. I know I have to pay it and I will."

After explaining his financial situation, the chair of the bench Maria Pitt ordered Ali to pay £50 a month, starting from September 1 which he had to take out from his own benefits.