15 December 2006: Yesterday at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court, [Details removed] pleaded guilty to offences under Section 5(1) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 - deploying unlicensed security operatives.

[Details removed] was fined £4,000 (£1,000 for each offence) and he was ordered to pay costs of £5,000. In October 2005 the Security Industry Authority (SIA), with support from South Wales Police, carried out an operation targeting unlicensed security activity in the Merthyr Tydfil area. Following a year-long investigation, the SIA launched a prosecution against [Details removed] and he was issued with a summons to answer offences of deploying unlicensed door supervisors at licensed premises.

Sentencing [Details removed], District Judge Charles said:

"This is important legislation set up for a purpose; you abused it, quite blatantly. You could not care less if they (the door supervisors deployed by [Details removed]) were licensed or not. The warnings you received went right over your head, you could not care less. You assisted others to commit offences and you did it for financial reasons."

Sue Sheath, an SIA Head of Investigation said:

"I am pleased with the outcome of this case. The court clearly recognised the importance of SIA licences in helping to ensure public safety, and this is a clear warning to others that non-compliance with the law will not be tolerated.

By deploying unlicensed operatives [Details removed] abused his position and thought he could avoid detection. He did not take account of the commitment of the SIA and South Wales Police to enforce the law. I'd like to thank the police for their support and co-operation during this investigation."

Notes to Editors:

The penalties for offences under Section 5 (1) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 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.