Cardiff security business prosecuted for employing unlicensed guards to protect vulnerable people

On 04 June 2021, a Cardiff company director pleaded guilty at Cardiff Magistrates' Court to deploying an unlicensed man to protect the residents of Wallich Clifford Community Hostel. Ricky Moloney and his business Nia Security Ltd, were prosecuted by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) for deploying unlicensed security.

Moloney was fined £500 and required to pay a contribution of prosecution costs of £467.50 and victim surcharge of £50. He is required to pay full payment within 23 days. Meanwhile Nia Security was fined £500 and required to pay £467.50 court costs.

On 01 September 2020 South Wales Police identified an unlicensed man providing security at the hostel. SIA investigators established with the hostel that Nia Security Ltd had held the security contract for eight years.

Moloney appeared in court following the SIA's investigation into the case.  Law enforcement partner, South Wales Police informed the SIA of the licence infringement. The court heard that Moloney was negligent in that he failed to check the licence status of the man who worked under contract at the hostel.

Nathan Salmon, the SIA criminal investigation manager said: "Up until 01 September Moloney had an exemplary record but failed to maintain licensing checks on this occasion, and suitability of a person who was unqualified or licensed to provide the security at the hostel. Moloney now has a criminal record.

When a security company is engaged in illegal conduct it puts the private security industry and the SIA into disrepute. Moloney, as a director of a security business and a supplier of security, has failed in his duties."

A man will appear at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on 02 July charged with working as unlicensed security on 01 September.            

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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 GOV.UK.

2. The offences relating to the Private Security Industry Act (2001) that are mentioned above are as follows:

NIA Security: Section 5 deploying unlicensed guards

Moloney:       Section 5 by way of Section 23

Section 23    consent, connivance or neglect of directors for employing unlicensed guards

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. TheSIA is also on Facebook (Security Industry Authority) andTwitter (@SIAuk).

Media enquiriesonlyplease contact:

Security Industry Authority

0300 123 9869

media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk