Scott Lee Barnes – sole trader of Global Security North West – has been investigated by the Regulator in the wake of allegations that he was supplying unlicensed operatives from his offices at Warner Street in Accrington.
Security Industry Authority (SIA) investigators requested that 30-year-old Barnes provide information about Global Security North West, including details pertaining to its customers and the door supervisors being supplied to them.
Barnes – of Roe Greave Road in Oswaldtwistle – repeatedly failed to provide accurate information as requested, meaning that SIA investigators were not able to check individuals supplied by him were correctly licensed by the Regulator and working on a legal basis.
During the investigation, SIA investigators carried out inspections of door supervisors working at licensed premises in Accrington, requiring them to provide information in relation to their employment (including any association with Global Security North West).
‘Inconsistent and incredible’ explanation
One of the door supervisors concerned, namely 27-year-old Karl Benson, failed to provide information to the SIA and, when he did later respond, made statements which were false.
Benson (of Grimshaw Street in Darwen) gave differing accounts to explain his presence in Accrington on the day of the SIA checks. He first claimed he was visiting a friend, then later said he was working as a volunteer door supervisor for a friend (Scott Barnes).
During the hearing at Hyndburn Magistrates Court, which took place on Thursday 29 September, Benson admitted that his response to the SIA was misleading, but pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecution described his explanation as ‘inconsistent and incredible’ and, in sentencing, the magistrate said the information provided by Benson was ‘implausible and false’.
Barnes pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to provide material to the SIA. He was fined GB pound 700 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of GB pound 15. He was also ordered to contribute GB pound 1,000 towards prosecution costs.
The court heard that Barnes could now expect to lose his SIA licence and his business.
Benson was fined GB pound 70 for failing to provide information nd an additional GB pound 70 for making a false statement to the SIA. He was also ordered to pay a GB pound 15 victim surcharge and make a contribution towards prosecution costs of GB pound 80.
Commenting on the case, the SIA’s head of investigation Nathan Salmon said: “Only Scott Barnes knows why he did not comply with the requests for information. However, the SIA must be permitted to ensure compliance with security licensing regulations. This is the second SIA prosecution in Accrington, and premise licence holders should ensure security staff working at venues are correctly licensed.”
Salmon continued: “Karl Benson made a flippant and ill-advised response to a request for information. SIA licence holders should be aware that it’s a criminal offence for them to obstruct SIA investigators in failing to provide information when requested or making false statements. I’m pleased the court has recognised that SIA investigators need to be able to carry out their role without obstruction.”
Next networking opportunity for door supervisors
The next door supervisors’ network meeting will be held in Leeds on Tuesday 15 November.
Delegates working within door supervision will have the opportunity to discuss and explore issues about the industry and regulation with others from the industry and with representatives from the Security Industry Authority.
The meeting is being organised and facilitated by UK Security Facilities and Novus Leisure with the support of the SIA and forms part of the SIA’s stakeholder engagement strategy.
If you would like to attend the meeting, please visit www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/ds-network to register your interest by 31 October 2011.
Small Business Network: London meeting
The next Small Business Network meeting will be held in central London on Thursday 10 November.
The meeting is being organised and facilitated by representatives from the Small Business Network with the support of the SIA. It’s open to delegates directing, managing or operating in small businesses with up to 250 employees.
The Small Business Network meeting will, through a security-focused agenda, present an opportunity for practitioners to discuss and explore issues about the industry and regulation, and meet with the SIA and others engaged in the daily management of the industry.
Places are limited and there will be a small cost to cover catering.
If you would like to attend the meeting please register your interest by 4 November 2011 at: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/sb-network
