Security Industry Authority
Stephen Higham appeared before Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates Court and he was sentenced to a 300 fine, 200 prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of 120.
The case started when Security Industry Authority (SIA) investigators identified that Stephen Higham, the director of a new security company (Raptor Security Solutions) was unlicensed.
Merseyside Polices licensing team carried out licensing inspections of venues in the Woolerton area. The SIAs investigators and police officers checked two venues in Woolerton on 3 February 2023 and the SIA analysed the venues signing-in sheets.
Following further checks, it was revealed that Highams door supervisor licence expired on 19 August 2022 and he did not renew it, yet he continued to supply security. Investigators discovered that Stephen Higham had worked as illegal security 28 times between 19 September 2022 and 21 January 2023 at a Woolerton venue.
The SIAs investigators attempted to contact Stephen Higham but there was no response from him.
The SIAs Criminal Investigation Team sent a request for information to Stephen Higham on 14 April 2023, but Higham failed to respond to them. After repeated attempts by the SIAs investigators to reach Higham as well as an offer of an interview under caution on 2 June 2023 which he failed to attend, the matter was referred to the SIAs legal department.
At the prosecution District Judge Timothy Boswell said:
I am sentencing you for three offences today. The SIA ensures that those who conduct security work are proper people to do so, which thereby ensures the safety of the public and in some instances the safeguarding of members of the public who become vulnerable. The breaches you committed are serious and although the events (health issues) seem to be that they somehow overtook you, you did do this, and you didnt respond to requirements when you should have done. You have pleaded guilty today at the earliest opportunity and for that I give you full credit.
Mark Chapman, one of the SIAs criminal investigations managers, said:
This is a case where a former licence holder took a decision that he could continue working in the private security industry without an SIA licence. By doing so his actions put the public at risk. This is a particularly serious case as he worked during the busy Christmas and New Year periods. He has been fined and now also has a criminal record which will impact on any future licence application. Id like to take this opportunity to thank Merseyside Police for their efforts to support the SIA with this case.
Notes to editors:
- By law, security operatives working under contract must hold and display a valid SIA licence
- Read about SIA enforcement and penalties
- The offences relating to the Private Security Industry Act 2001 that are mentioned above are as follows:
- 2 x section 3 engaging in licensable conduct without a licence
- 1 x section 19 obstructing SIA officials or those with delegated authority, or failing to respond to a request for information
Further information:
- The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIAs main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.
- For further information about the Security Industry Authority or to sign up for email updates visit: www.gov.uk/sia. The SIA is also on LinkedIn Facebook (Security Industry Authority) and Twi