A security guard who attempted to work illegally using a cloned Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence has been convicted and sentenced to a community order along with nearly £4,000 in fines.
Fraudulent Licence Scheme Uncovered
The offender, Luke Donnelly, paid £300 to an unidentified individual for a fraudulent security licence, allowing him to circumvent legal training requirements for security work.
However, Active Security Solutions Ltd, the company he applied to work for, identified the deception during routine checks and immediately alerted the SIA. This triggered a formal investigation into Donnelly’s actions.
Court Proceedings and Arrest
Following the SIA’s investigation, Donnelly was charged and ordered to appear in court. However, he failed to attend his hearing at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on December 13, 2024, and was found guilty in his absence.
A warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was later apprehended and brought before Walsall Magistrates’ Court on January 9, 2025.
Sentencing and Financial Penalties
Donnelly was sentenced for:
- Using a cloned security licence
- Failing to surrender to bail
His punishment includes:
- 120 hours of unpaid community work
- £3,903 in prosecution costs
- £114 victim surcharge
SIA Warning Against Security Licence Fraud
Following the sentencing, Mark Chapman, Criminal Investigations Manager for the SIA, warned against attempts to bypass security industry regulations:
**“When somebody works in the private security industry with a cloned licence, they put the public, their colleagues, and themselves at risk.
“Mr Donnelly thought he could take a shortcut by avoiding the necessary training required to safely de-escalate conflict and handle dangerous situations.
“He claimed he believed the licence he bought was genuine. However, having previously held a legitimate licence, he knew he was breaking the law.
“This sentence serves as a warning to anyone who attempts to evade the legal requirements for holding a valid security licence.”**
The SIA also praised Active Security Solutions Ltd for reporting the fraud, ensuring that illegal activity was halted before Donnelly could be employed.
Legal Consequences of Fake Licences
The SIA continues to investigate and prosecute individuals attempting to bypass licensing requirements. Security operatives must undergo proper training and hold genuine licences to ensure public and workplace safety.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as enforcement actions continue.
