Disqualified security boss prosecuted again for working without a licence

A disqualified West Midlands security boss who had his Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence revoked last year has been prosecuted again after re-starting his operation the very next day despite the revocation.

On Monday 11 March, Michael Ryan pled guilty at Coventry Magistrates’ Court to working as an unlicensed security manager on three occasions between 21 April and 28 September 2018. Mr Ryan was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £4,264 costs as well as a victim surcharge of £170 within 14 days.

On 20 April 2018 Michael Ryan lost his door supervisor’s licence after his security business IG Security Services Ltd was prosecuted by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The following day it was business as usual for him as he started procuring security work and contracts despite not having a licence.

Pete Easterbrook, SIA Investigations Manager, said:

“Michael Ryan, also known as Mick Ryan, has reoffended with no regard for the restrictions placed on him operating in the private security industry. He has showed utter contempt for the licensing regime and for the Private Security Industry Act. 

He wilfully ignored his 2018 conviction and the loss of his licence, a matter which the SIA could not ignore.Regulation of the private security industry exists in order to protect those who use the services of a security provider, as well as the general public. The significant penalties imposed by the court today are a reflection of the high expectations of those who operate in the industry, and the repercussions should they choose to commit offences.”

In May 2018, Michael Ryan set up a security company called Viking Security and Medic Services Ltd, naming his wife as the director. She was unaware of this and ceased being the director in August 2018.

SIA investigators soon became aware of the existence of the company following social media posts by Michael Ryan on behalf of Viking Security and Medic Services Ltd. This prompted an investigation by the SIA, and it was evident that Mick Ryan was the controlling mind of the business.

The door supervisors he supplied, who were correctly licensed, worked at Bedworth Party in the Park festival in Warwickshire, Wolston Quarry, and Coventry’s Centre AT7.

- Ends -

Notes to Editors:

1.     By law, security operatives working under contract must hold and display a valid SIA licence. Information about SIA enforcement and penalties can be found on the website.

2.     The offence relating to the Private Security Act (2001) that is mentioned in the above news release is as follows:

Section 3         working without a licence

The Private Security Industry Act 2001 is available online via: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2001/12/contents

Further information:

The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s main duties are: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities; and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.

For further information about the Security Industry Authority or to sign up for email updates visit: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. The SIA is also on Facebook (Security Industry Authority) and Twitter (@SIAuk).

Media enquiries only please contact:

Security Industry Authority

0300 123 9869

media.enquiries@sia.gsi.gov.uk