Accrington security boss barred from industry after failing to check staff licence

A security boss has found himself fined and barred from the industry after failing to do basic checks on his staff.

On 22 September 2020 Muhammad Islam, from Accrington, pleaded guilty to failing to check the Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence of his employee Sam Gould. Islam is the security director of Spartan K9 Ltd.

It is illegal for a door supervisor to work without an SIA licence, as they work in roles that protect the public. However, Islam hired Gould without checking that he was properly licensed. 

Towards the end of last year, the SIA were investigating several cases relating to unlicensed security operatives in Accrington over the Christmas and New Year period. After receiving a tip-off, SIA investigators carried out a licensing check and found Sam Gould working without a licence at the Nag's Head, Accrington.  

The SIA discovered that Gould was working for Spartan K9, who held the security contract at the venue. Investigators made a formal request for information from Islam, but he did not respond. Islam was then invited to an interview in January 2020, at which he admitted that he failed to do due diligence and check whether Gould was licensed. He also admitted that he had no excuse for not providing the information the SIA had asked for. 

Islam pleaded guilty and the court fined him £120 for supplying an unlicensed door supervisor. He was also ordered to pay costs of £200 and a Victim Surcharge of £32. 

One of the SIA's Criminal Investigations Managers, Pete Easterbrook said:

"There is no excuse for not doing your due diligence. The risk taken by Islam cannot be ignored as Sam Gould was interacting with the public. Security operatives protect the public and the SIA licence gives assurance that someone is "fit and proper" and capable of protecting the public. By failing to check Gould's licence Islam undermined this public confidence.

AlthoughMuhammad Islamdid not receive a large fine, he can no longer work in the private security industry".

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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 Industry Act (2001) that is mentioned in the above news release are as follows:

Section 5 deploying unlicensed guards

Section 19 failing to provide information relating to an investigation

3. 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 thePrivate 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 onFacebook (Security Industry Authority)andTwitter (@SIAuk).    

Media enquiriesonlyplease contact:

Security Industry Authority

0300 123 9869

media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk