Moel Famau fly-tippers brought to justice following NRW investigation
Two individuals have been successfully prosecuted for fly-tipping at Coed Moel Famau, near Ruthin, following an investigation led by Fly Tipping Action Wales, in conjunction with Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
The pair, Barhan Fakraden, 38, and Paige Brittles, 27, both of Ruthin, pleaded guilty to offences under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The case was heard at Llandudno Magistrates' Court earlier this week (27 May).
The court imposed Band D fines on both defendants, with Ms Brittles ordered to pay a total of £938. Mr Fakraden received a higher penalty of £1,830. Both were ordered to repay the amounts in monthly instalments of £100.
The fly-tipping incident came to light on 11 November 2024, when a Ranger from Dee Valley National Landscape discovered six bags of dumped waste on NRW-managed land at Moel Famau. The bags were retrieved and taken to Loggerheads Country Park, where identifying materials were found among the rubbish – including packaging and personal items linking the waste to the two defendants.
Following initial contact from NRW officers, both individuals failed to attend voluntary interviews at Denbigh Police Station. They were later issued with statutory notices requiring them to attend on 19 December 2024. During these formal interviews, neither could give a satisfactory explanation as to how their waste ended up at the site.
While both claimed that a business had been contracted to remove their rubbish, it was discovered that the supposed arrangement only began on the day of the interviews, casting doubt on their statements.
Neil Harrison, Team Leader for Fly-tipping Action Wales, said:
“Fly-tipping is a criminal offence that damages our environment, costs taxpayers money, and puts people and wildlife at risk. This successful prosecution sends a clear message that we take these incidents seriously and will not hesitate to take action against those who show such disregard for our natural places. We’d like to thank our partners at Dee Valley National Landscape and North Wales Police for their support in this investigation.”
Fly-tipping Action Wales and NRW continues to work with partners and local communities to tackle waste crime across Wales and encourages the public to report any suspicious activity online or by calling on 0300 065 3000 24 hours a day.