Buxton man handed 12-month community service order for licence infringements

On Tuesday 18 May, a Buxton man pleaded guilty at Thameside Magistrates' Court to infringing the licensing conditions of his two Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences. Paul Tilson held a CCTV licence and a Security Guard licence and he failed to inform the SIA of his change of address which is a licensing condition.

Last July the SIA was also informed by an SIA approved contractor providing security, that Tilson had been prosecuted for theft. On 11 August 2020, the SIA suspended Tilson's licences.  An investigation was launched into whether Tilson had failed to notify the SIA of his prosecution. Tilson failed to engage with SIA investigators, and he also failed to turn up to court at the allocated time and a warrant for his arrest was issued. He appeared in court on Tuesday. 

He was given a 12-month community service order with 15-days rehabilitation activity. He was also ordered to pay court costs of £450 and fined £50 and required to pay a victim surcharge of £95. The prosecution was brought by the SIA. 

Nathan Salmon, one of the SIA's Criminal Investigations Managers, said:

"Informing the SIA of a change of address by licence holders is a licence condition and is clearly explained when licences are granted. Tilson failed to tell the SIA of the changes and as a result of other criminal activity his licences were suspended. I am also grateful to the private security company who informed us of the development with Tilson's history, a good example of businesses supporting the regulator. As a result of our prosecution, Tilson has incurred a further criminal record as well as a fine and costs and is unable to continue working in the industry."

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 offences relating to the Private Security Industry Act (2001) that are mentioned above are:  Section 9 licence conditions.                

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.gov.uk/sia. The SIA is also onFacebook (Security Industry Authority)andTwitter (@SIAuk).

Media enquiriesonlyplease contact:

Security Industry Authority

0300 123 9869

media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk