3 November 2006: The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has issued summons to [Details removed], to appear at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court to answer a number of charges under Section 5 (1) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The first date of hearing is 30 November 2006.

Under this section, it is an offence to provide unlicensed security operatives to another. The penalties for committing such an offence can be:

• Summary conviction at a Magistrates' Court - the maximum penalty is six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000, or
• On indictment at the Crown Court - an unlimited fine and/or five years imprisonment.

The summons relate to a year long SIA investigation.

Notes to Editors:

• Since 20 March 2006 SIA licences have been legally required for manned guarding personnel (supplied under contract). For those working in relation to licensed premises, SIA licences have been required since 11 April 2005.