"A blatant disregard for the legislation"

11 January 2007: Today at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court, [Details removed], pleaded guilty to six offences under Section 5(1) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 - deploying unlicensed security operatives.

[Details removed] was fined £6,000 (£1,000 for each offence) and he was ordered to pay £5,000 costs.

On 28 October 2005, Security Industry Authority (SIA) investigators, with support from South Wales Police, carried out an operation targeting unlicensed security activity in the Merthyr Tydfil area. Following a year-long investigation [Details removed] was summonsed to answer offences of deploying unlicensed door supervisors at licensed premises.

Sentencing [Details removed], District Judge Charles said:

"These were serious offences for which there had been a warning. You either had a blatant disregard for the legislation or you couldn't care less."

Sue Sheath, an SIA Head of Investigation said:

"[Details removed] provided unlicensed door staff to venues in the Merthyr Tydfil area, putting the safety of the venues' customers at risk. However, [Details removed] did not account for the operation carried out that night by the SIA and South Wales Police to ensure compliance with the law at pubs and clubs in the area.

I would like to thank South Wales Police for working with us to enforce the law and the court for recognising the seriousness of the offence. The Welsh public deserve, and should expect, to only see trained, qualified and licensed door staff working to create a safe environment at their pubs and clubs."

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 in Wales, SIA licences have been required since September 2004.
• To attain an SIA Door Supervisor licence applicants must undertake an approved four-day training course, achieve a recognised qualification and undergo an identity and criminal record check.