16 September 2008: Yesterday at Nottingham Magistrates' Court, the solicitor of security guard Mark Fairfield entered a guilty plea on behalf of his client to offences under Section 3(1) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 - working without an SIA licence.

Fairfield, (45) was found working illegally as a security guard last autumn at Erewash Indoor Bowling Club.

Fairfield will be sentenced next month.

James Turner, (47) director of Stealth Security Services also appeared before magistrates in relation to offences under Section 5 (deploying unlicensed operatives) and Section 19 (obstructing an SIA official exercising powers of entry and inspection) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

The hearing is scheduled for next month.

Notes to Editors:

• The maximum penalty for committing an offence such as working without a licence or supplying unlicensed staff is six months' imprisonment and/or fine up to £5,000 (or trial on indictment to crown court, whereby an unlimited fine and/or five years' imprisonment could be imposed).
• SIA licences can be checked through the Register of Licence Holders, available 24-hours on the SIA website.
• An electronic image of an SIA licence can be obtained from Jessica Clinkett, SIA Media Relations Officer.