A 32-YEAR-OLD has appeared in court and admitted to dumping more than 15 rubbish bags packed with waste on land near an "area of natural beauty."

Matthew Warriner, of Dehli Street, Walney, appeared at Furness Magistrates' Court yesterday where he pleaded guilty to causing the deposition of waste on land without an environmental permit.

Warriner, who works as a roofer, admitted to dumping the rubbish at Thorny Nook in Walney on May 5, 2016.

Warriner, who was not represented in court, said: "I was in a bad place at the time and I was shocked that I have done it.

"I am really sorry for doing it."

Representing Barrow Borough Council, Matthew Viner told the court that a member of the public had called to inform officers of the mess.

The court also heard how Warriner had removed yellow labels from the rubbish bags which had been stuck on by the council. Labels are issued when bags are too full and will not be taken by staff because they need a special collection.

Mr Viner said: "I understand this is near an area of natural beauty and the site is an area where people can explore and go dog walking and have picnics.

"It is quite disheartening to see fly-tipping incidents here despite efforts from the local and national press and efforts made by the public to stop and reduce this."

Chair of the bench, Jenny Farmer said: "You have pleaded guilty but there are a number of aggravating factors in this.

"It was near a nature reserve and you drove the same distance as it would have been to go to the tip and there was deliberate removal of the stickers."

Warriner apologised for his actions and was ordered to pay a £1,000 fine - had he not pleaded guilty, this would have been £1,500.

He was also ordered to pay clean-up costs of £654.60 to the council and a victim surcharge of £100.