Video: Lorry load of waste in the Gwent Levels

Michael Doran, 30, of The Common in West Drayton, London, was fined £950 and given a community order after pleading guilty to illegally dumping waste on a roadside on four separate occasions last year.

Gwent Levels Fly Tipping - copyright Living Levels Landscape Partnership

His relative, Johnny Doran, 29, of Green Lane in Peterstone, Wentlooge, also pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. He will be sentenced in London on March 25.

The pair's actions "show blatant disregard for the natural environment in Wales," Pamela Jordan, of Natural Resources Wales (NRW), said.

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Shameless Gwent fly-tippers condemned, but most offenders escape serious punishment

Despite the placement of two ‘No Fly-tipping’ signs at either end of Hoel Las, Peterstone, the duo dumped a load of rubble and black bin bags into a layby on Thursday, July 25 last year.

The other three incidents occurred in the exact same location between June 11 and July 23, leaving the layby littered with green waste, a duvet, and more black bin bags – as well as other household items.

But the fly-tippers didn't realise their shameless dumping of waste was being recorded on hidden cameras.

The pair were caught as part of the Black Spots to Bright Spots project to clamp down on fly-tipping on the Gwent Levels – a coastal area spanning 225 square kilometres from the River Wye, in the east, to the River Rhymney, in the west.

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NRW set up the project with the Living Levels Landscape Partnership (LLLP).

“Fly-tipping on the Gwent Levels continues to have a huge impact on the local community and poses a threat to both wildlife and the natural landscape," Elinor Meloy, LLLP programme manager said.

“What’s more, the area is classed as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest, so it’s crucial that we continue to work with our partners to tackle this ongoing problem through further intervention, education and awareness raising activity, in order to safeguard Wales’s natural heritage.”

Ms Jordan said fly-tipping was "a serious crime and those who choose to dump waste illegally can face up to a £50,000 fine and imprisonment."

She added: “Homeowners are also reminded to always check that the person they use to dispose of rubbish from their home is a registered waste carrier — otherwise, they also risk a fine of up to £300 if their waste is found fly-tipped”.