On Monday [13 Oct] at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court, a Lambeth-based security company was found guilty, in the absence of its director, of two charges of supplying unlicensed security guards, including to a children’s play centre in Merton.
Wilson Lugolobi, director of Ace Consult, who is believed to be outside the UK, failed to co-operate with the Security Industry Authority investigation, and he has failed to attend court. Lugolobi’s non-appearance at court in September resulted in a bench warrant being issued for his arrest.
Ace Consult UK, of Victoria House, South Lambeth Road, supplied unlicensed security guards to a children’s play centre in Merton between May and December 2013; and to a construction site in Southwark in November 2013.
Yesterday, the court heard the case in Lugolobi’s absence and ruled that both charges against the company had been proven. The court levied a fine of £5,500, with a victim surcharge of £120, and awarded the SIA full costs of £8,267.
The arrest warrant for Lugolobi remains in force, and he faces charges relating to his capacity as a director of a security company.
SIA Investigations Manager, Nathan Salmon said:
“The outcome of this case demonstrates the SIA’s ongoing commitment to pursue those companies that flagrantly disregard regulation, as well as taint the otherwise healthy reputation of today’s security industry.
“In this case, one of the charges was aggravated in that it involved supplying an unlicensed guard to a leisure centre for children. I am satisfied the court took a similar dim view of the way Ace Consult put children at risk.
“We will now pursue Mr Lugolobi through the courts in relation to his alleged role in these offences.”