A SCRAP dealer from Torfaen has been made to pay £800 after he was found to be operating without a licence.

William Davies, 58, of Canford Close, Trevethin, near Pontypool, was caught after he was stopped by police in February of this year and produced a Scrap Metal Collectors Licence which expired in 2014.

He pleaded guilty at Newport Magistrates Court on Monday, October 23 and was prosecuted under the Scrap Metal Act 2013.

Mr Davies was fined £300, and made to pay costs of £415 and an £85 victim surcharge.

Cllr Fiona Cross, executive member with responsibility for licensing, said: “Illegal scrap dealers not only undercut legitimate local businesses but often end up dumping any waste they can’t sell as fly tipping in our green spaces and beauty spots.

“I would advise anyone collecting scrap metal in Torfaen to ensure they have the right licence, and encourage the public to get in touch with us confidentially if they suspect someone is collecting scrap illegally.”

Dealing in scrap metal, or running a scrap metal business, is controlled by the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 and dealers need to apply for a separate licence for each local authority in which they operate.

Visit torfaen.gov.uk for details.