The director of a Manchester-based security company has been convicted and ordered to pay over £3,500 after failing to comply with an investigation into the suspected use of unlicensed security operatives.
Security Company Under Investigation
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) launched an investigation into I-Guard Security Ltd after receiving intelligence from Merseyside Police that unlicensed security staff had been deployed at a Liverpool venue.
In March 2024, the SIA requested information from the company’s director, Katie O’Neill, regarding the security provision at the venue. However, O’Neill failed to respond.
Repeated Non-Compliance Leads to Prosecution
After the initial request was ignored, the SIA made a second request on April 22, 2024, followed by an invitation for O’Neill to attend an interview under caution. When she failed to respond again, the SIA initiated prosecution proceedings.
On January 9, 2025, Manchester Magistrates’ Court found O’Neill guilty and imposed the following penalties:
- £1,100 fine
- £440 victim surcharge
- £2,000 in prosecution costs
Regulator Warns Against Obstructing Investigations
Following the conviction, Mark Chapman, Criminal Investigations Manager at the SIA, stated:
**“Our priority is ensuring that security companies operate within the law, and that their staff are properly trained and licensed.
“When we suspect wrongdoing, we have statutory powers to request information for our investigations. Katie O’Neill failed to comply, which is an offence.
“This case serves as a warning that the SIA takes these matters seriously and will not hesitate to hold offenders accountable.”**
Ensuring Compliance in the Security Industry
The SIA continues to monitor security firms to ensure they meet legal licensing requirements and urges businesses to comply with regulatory investigations or risk legal consequences.
