Last week, the Security Industry Authority once again demonstrated its zero tolerance against dodgy persons in the security industry as a blockhead Derby director was ordered to pay £14,000 after pleading guilty to working illegally as an unlicensed security director and hoarding vital information Authority.
Mr Mark Jason Lowe, 39, who was sole trader of Progressive Security, and also the sole director and shareholder of Fortis Security (UK) Ltd used his two companies to supply door supervisors to bars and clubs in Derby city centre.
As if telling the SIA: “Do your worst”, foolhardy Lowe, against the statutory requirements was working illegally as he did not hold the necessary SIA licence to supply operatives.
A source at the SIA said dare-devil Lowe snubbed the SIA investigators who requested information about the companies from him. But the Authority who was bent on teaching him a few lessons in common sense and on how not to flout the laws of the land with crass impunity ensured Lowe was made to face the music by investigating him on suspicion of operating as an unlicensed director and failing to provide information to the SIA.
Being put in the balance at Derby Magistrates' Court on Friday [06 Jan], Lowe, of Collingham Gardens, Derby, whose integrity was found wanting was said to have pleaded guilty to three counts of engaging as an unlicensed director of Fortis Security (UK) Ltd.
He was also said to have pleaded guilty to three counts of engaging as an unlicensed employer of staff at Progressive Security, and two counts of failing to provide information to the SIA.
In order to serve as deterrence to other bad eggs in the much respected security industry, the court let down its hammer on Lowe who was fined £2,000 for all eight offences. Lowe’s “no-comment” monkey trick also drew the ire of the nation’s justice system and he was also ordered to pay the SIA costs of £12,000, in part because his answering 'no comment' in interview was said to have led to a longer investigation and therefore higher costs.” Serve him right!” You would say.
SIA Head of Investigation Nathan Salmon said: "I am pleased with the outcome of this investigation. SIA investigators attempted to work with Mr Lowe to resolve alleged licensing offences; however, he did not wish to work with the SIA. Mr Lowe continued this approach throughout the subsequent investigation, and attempting to mislead us in our enquiries proved to be a costly error. In addition to this large penalty, his conviction will mean that he will no longer be able to operate in the private security industry."
A lesson for other dodgy “Lowes” now in hiding, but whom the long arm of the law will soon catch up with!
