Bewick provided security services to more than 100 pubs, clubs and hotels in Sunderland through his company Bewick Security, but did not hold the Security Industry Authority licence required to work lawfully.
Bewick, who was previously convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to six years in prison, had not applied for a licence from the Security Industry Authority, the court heard.
Following an investigation led by Northumbria Police and supported by the Security Industry Authority and HM Revenue and Customs, Bewick was prosecuted and fined GB pound 2,000 for working as a director without a licence.
This conviction meant the force could then pursue him under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Decision taken at Newcastle Crown Court
At Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday of last week, Bewick (of Wheatsheaf Court, Roker) was ordered to pay back GB pound 550,000 of the profit he had made from his company.
Bewick must pay the sum within six months or face a five-year prison sentence in default.
SIA head of investigation Neil Diamond said: “This is an excellent outcome which is a result of partnership working between several agencies. It sends a clear message to those tempted to flout the law.”
Inspector Andy Gimza, who led the investigation, commented: “Bewick will pay back over half a million pounds of his ill-gotten gains as well as a GB pound 2,000 fine. This case has been investigated to protect the people of Sunderland and the city’s night-time economy.”
Importantly, Gimza added: “We hope this verdict will deter any others from committing such offences, and it’s a warning to those who do so – we are watching. It is thanks to the hard work of Northumbria Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, the Security Industry Authority and HMRC that we have achieved this result.”
