An unlicensed door supervisor has been prosecuted in Northern Ireland for working without a Security Industry Authority licence.
On Friday [2 August] Jonathan Wellard, 39, pleaded guilty at Newtonards Magistrates’ Court and fined £500.
An SIA investigation commenced when intelligence was received from the Police Service of Northern Ireland showing Wellard working as a door supervisor in a bar in Bangor.
Further enquiries showed that Wellard had been refused an SIA licence, however, he continued to work in a licensable role regardless.
In sentencing, District Judge Gerry Trainor said that the SIA licensing regime existed to protect the public and also premises owners who contracted in such security.
SIA Head of Investigation, Nathan Salmon said: “I am very pleased with the conviction of Mr Wellard, who disregarded our decision to refuse his licence application and continued to operate within the industry.
“Of further concern was the behaviour of Mr Wellard; CCTV evidence showed him fighting with a customer after ejecting him from the premises. This behaviour is unacceptable and in direct contradiction to Door Supervisor training in relation to conflict management”.
“The SIA licences individuals who have been correctly trained and security vetted to ensure only fit and proper individuals are working in the industry. This outcome demonstrates that unlicensed workers can expect to be dealt with by the courts.”