A so-called 'freeman on the land' from Chester who has not paid council tax has been ordered to pay more than £1,000.

Chester Magistrates Court heard the case on Wednesday, October 9, of the man named in court as Iain McAdam, and an address given of Francis Street, Chester.

During the hearing, which was split into two sessions, McAdam asked magistrates if Chester Magistrates Court was "a court of law", denied he was a resident of Francis Street, denied he was a "mister" and added: "I am not a human being, I am a living, breathing man. A human being is a monster." He later denied he was a "person".

McAdam also refused to get into the dock at the start of the second session, saying he was "being denied justice" and had attended court "by special appearance", before later going into the dock "under duress".

The court's legal adviser patiently asked prosecutor Ian Schroder, for Cheshire West and Chester Council, to explain – after giving an oath – that the tests for applying council tax had been set out.

McAdam had questioned whether council tax applied only to commerce, or whether individuals could be taxed. It was explained to him that individuals can be taxed.

He also referred to the 'four-corner rule' – a rule dating back to old English courts on contractual disputes.

Mr Schroder added there was an indemnity claim currently being processed in the case of McAdam for non-payment of council tax over the past five years, which could lead to a further court appearance for him.

Chair of magistrates Jeffrey Langham told McAdam the rules were set in law, and if McAdam did not like them, the two options were to live elsewhere where those laws don't apply, or campaign to change those laws.

"We are here to uphold the law – that is our job. We do it as professionally as we can. We are ordinary members of the public," he added.

Magistrates found McAdam must pay a £1,181.83 liability order, plus a £100 enforcement fee, for non-payment of council tax.

McAdam said: "I am not being given a fair hearing," and continued to protest as he was escorted out of the court by a security officer.

Also on Wednesday, liability orders for 987 defendants were made, each with £100 enforcement fees, for non-payment of council tax. A total of 53 liability orders were withdrawn and 68 accounts had been paid.

A further 48 liability orders were made, each with a £115 enforcement fee, for defendants for non-payment of non-domestic rates. Thirty liability orders were withdrawn and 13 accounts had been paid.

Many UK councils have dedicated explanatory webpages in which they say being a 'freeman' does not exempt anyone from paying council tax.