A serial fly-tipper has been handed a suspended prison sentence following action taken by three Gwent councils.
Stewart Evans, of Newport, had pleaded guilty to twelve counts of fly-tipping between January 2023 and May 2024. Evans was previously convicted of fly-tipping offences in 2022, after which he lost his waste carriers licence.
Newport City Council led a joint operation along with Torfaen County Borough Council and Monmouthshire County Council into Mr Evans’s offences, which included:
- Dumping household waste and fridge freezers in Wentwood forest
- Dumping large amounts of household waste at locations in New Inn, Abersychan, Pwll Ddu Mountain, and Ringland Shopping Centre.
- Dumping waste in Brangwyn Crescent, Newport
- Dumping waste in a commercial waste bin in Caerleon.
Mr Evans was using his personal Facebook profile to advertise his business, which saw him charge between £50-£200 per removal, before dumping waste illegally in those locations.
Mr Evans was granted conditional bail by a judge at a hearing about the case on the 13th of September. As part of the conditions of his bail, Mr Evans was required not to transport any controlled waste.
Mr Evans was then found to be advertising waste removal services on Facebook just a few weeks after his bail was set.
The council successfully applied to the Crown Court to have Mr Evans’ bail conditions reviewed as a result of this. Mr Evans was remanded into custody on the 4th of October to await his sentencing.
At his sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday, Mr Evans was handed a 30-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
He was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, pay a victim surcharge of £187, and was made the subject of an interim criminal behaviour order.
A full criminal behaviour order, as well as financial penalties and costings to each of the councils involved, will be set at a further hearing early next year.
Commenting on the sentencing, Councillor Yvonne Forsey, cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity at Newport City Council, said: “I’m very pleased that the joint action we have taken with colleagues in Monmouthshire and Torfaen has led to a successful prosecution.
“There is no place for fly-tipping in our communities, and prosecutions like this underline our commitment to tackling the issue.
“I would urge anyone who is paying for waste removal to make sure they have sought the services of a licenced waste carrier. This reduces the risk of your waste ending up being illegally dumped.”
Councillor Mandy Owen, executive member for the environment at Torfaen County Borough Council, said: “Fly-tipping is a serious environmental crime and costs taxpayers a significant amount to clean up. It not only looks unsightly, but can be potentially dangerous, especially to children and animals, and has a detrimental effect on our environment.
“This case demonstrates that we and our neighbouring councils do not tolerate fly-tipping and will take robust action against those found to be responsible.
“I hope this prosecution sends a clear message that those who engage in such irresponsible behaviour can face serious consequences.
“I would like to offer my thanks for the hard work and dedication of officers involved in bringing this case before the courts and achieving a successful outcome.”
Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet member for equalities and engagement, Councillor Angela Sandles, said: “Fly-tipping has no place in our community. Through our collaborative efforts with Newport and Torfaen councils, we have demonstrated that there are consequences for those who engage in this practice.
“If you know of any instances of fly-tipping in your area, please do not hesitate to contact our environmental health team.”
“If you hire a company to dispose of waste on your behalf, ensure they are a registered waste carrier. It is your responsibility to verify their registration, so always ask for their certificate.”
Residents wishing to report fly-tipping in their area can do so through their council’s website:
Monmouthshire – https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/litter-fly-tipping-and-street-cleansing/