Security company fined again

Elite Security (NW) Ltd, and its area manager, Rhydian Davies, pleaded guilty on 05 November to supplying an unlicensed door supervisor to the Iron Dragon pub in Merthyr Tydfil on five separate occasions during October and November 2018. The door supervisor in question, Alan Blake, had his licence suspended by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) for violent behaviour in October 2018. Blake then worked for Elite Security (NW) Ltd whilst suspended, by fraudulently using his brother’s licence.

Elite Security (NW) Ltd has previously been found guilty of supplying unlicensed staff in a separate investigation, which was heard at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court in November 2016.

Nathan Salmon, of the SIA criminal investigation team, said, “As an area manager, Rhydian Davies was required to ensure the licence status of the door supervisors he managed on behalf of his employer. This due diligence is required of anyone who is managing licensable operatives who are protecting property or people in the interests of public safety.

Elite Security (NW) did not have sufficient procedures in place to identify suspended licences, and as a result they have been prosecuted for a second time. We would urge security managers and businesses to pay attention to the basics; failing to do so can lead to reputational damage and criminal penalties.”

Davies, who was the Cardiff area manager for Elite Security NW, was fined £389 and ordered to pay costs of £668, plus a victim surcharge of £38. Elite Security (NW) Ltd was fined £800, with costs of £668 and a victim surcharge of £80.

The case was originally referred to the SIA by South Wales Police, following a report from a member of the public.