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Bridgend man sentenced for illegal waste operations and ordered to repay £322,500

Stephen John Williams, 69, of Tondu, Bridgend, was the sole owner of Wenvoe Environmental Limited and Servmax Ltd. Between October 2018 and October 2019, he organised the illegal deposit of 2,600 tonnes of contaminated textile waste at sites in Caerphilly, Cowbridge and Dolgellau.

At Cardiff Crown Court on 3 October 2025, Williams was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, following a prosecution by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). He must also complete five rehabilitation activity days.

Waste left landowners with huge clean‑up bills

At Pen Yr Heol Las Farm in Caerphilly, NRW officers discovered 1,843 tonnes of baled textile waste contaminated with general refuse. Williams claimed it was intended for equine use, but it was deemed unsuitable and posed a significant fire risk. Despite being served with a legal notice to remove the waste, he failed to comply.

In Cowbridge, 260 tonnes of similar waste were found at Crossways Industrial Estate. Again, Williams ignored a legal notice, leaving landowners — who had no involvement in the operation — to pay £48,790 to clear the site.

At Hengwrt in Dolgellau, officers found 527 tonnes of waste including clothing, carpets, foam and mattresses. Williams again failed to comply with a notice to remove it.

NRW: “Sustained disregard for environmental law”

Su Fernandez, Senior Enforcement Officer for NRW, said:

“Businesses that move, store or broker waste must do so responsibly and within the law. When individuals choose to ignore these rules, the consequences can be serious.

“In this case, Stephen Williams demonstrated a sustained disregard for environmental law. The waste posed a significant fire risk and left landowners facing substantial clean‑up costs. Despite being served with legal notices, Mr Williams failed to take action.

“We welcome the outcome of this case and hope it sends a clear message that NRW will not tolerate the illegal disposal of waste. We will pursue offenders through the courts where necessary and use powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover the profits made from environmental crime.”

Ordered to repay £322,500

Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, the court determined Williams had benefitted by £470,189.41 from his environmental crimes, based on income from unlawful deposits, avoided landfill tax, and accrued interest.

His available assets, primarily equity in property, were valued at £322,500. He was ordered to repay that amount within three months or face a custodial sentence of three years and six months. The outstanding balance will remain enforceable, and prosecutors may apply to recover further funds if Williams acquires new assets in future.

How to report environmental crime

NRW urged the public to report environmental incidents via its 24/7 incident communications centre, either through the online “Report It” form or by calling 0300 065 3000.

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Port Talbot men banned from handling waste after repeated fly‑tipping offences

Swansea Magistrates’ Court imposed Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) on Michael Joseph Quilligan, 22, of Western Avenue, Sandfields, and Steven Gilheaney, 26, of Radnor House, Sandfields, when they appeared in court on Thursday, 18 September.

Both men were handed 16‑week jail terms, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £1,465 in prosecution costs each, along with a £154 victim surcharge. They must also complete a 15‑day rehabilitation programme under the Probation Service.

Pattern of dumping

The court heard the pair had been linked to several incidents of illegal dumping, including large amounts of household, construction and garden waste abandoned at sites in Sandfields, Margam and Aberavon between 2023 and early 2025.

Investigations by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Waste Enforcement Team found the men had been paid to remove waste from businesses and private addresses, but instead of disposing of it legally, they dumped it on disused land.

Court order

The two‑year CBO prevents Quilligan and Gilheaney from collecting or transporting waste anywhere in Neath Port Talbot, unless employed by a licensed scrap metal business. Breaching the order could result in further prosecution and prison sentences.

Council response

Cllr Scott Jones, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Streetscene, said:

“I want to congratulate our Waste Enforcement Team for yet again bringing before the courts those who seriously damage our environment by dumping waste. It’s clear the courts are taking these offences seriously with the sentences, fines and Criminal Behaviour Order imposed in this case.”

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