Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

UPDATE: Gareth Kemp successfully appealed this conviction at Cardiff Crown Court on June 17, 2022.

The owner of a recycling firm has been ordered to pay more than £3,000 for fly-tipping on Eglwysilan Common, near Abertridwr.

Gareth Kemp, 30, of St Cenydd Road, Trecenydd, had denied two charges under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, but was found guilty at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, April 21.

Kemp, who owns Kemp Contractors Limited, was found to have dumped building and demolition waste on the common on two separate occasions – once on March 30, 2021 and the other on April 9, 2021.

Magistrates handed him a £2,215 fine. He was also made to pay £620 prosecution costs and a £190 victim surcharge – which goes towards funding victim services.

The prosecution was led by Gwent Police’s Rural and Wildlife Crime Unit officer Mark Powell, who is currently seconded to environmental agency Natural Resources Wales.

PC Powell said: “Fly-tipping is abhorrent and the illegal dumping of hazardous waste on common land is a real risk to the environment.

“Apart from being unsightly and expensive to remove, it also impacts native species of plants and animals as well as polluting water courses and affecting aquatic life.”

He continued: “Cases of fly-tipping are unfortunately on the increase. However, this successful prosecution sends out a strong message to offenders.

“It will not be tolerated and Gwent Police and Natural Resources Wales will actively prosecute anyone who carries out this dreadful activity.”