​A man has been sentenced at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court after he admitted working illegally as security at the Berkley Club in Accrington.

Lloyd Irwin, a former director of Hunter Irwin Security Specialists Ltd, appeared before the court via video link on 02 September. He had worked as a door supervisor for the company at The Berkley Club during December 2019 and January 2020, despite not holding a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.

The district judge sentenced Irwin, who pleaded guilty, to a 12 month community order with an 80 hour unpaid work requirement. He was also ordered to pay a £90 victim surcharge and £760.40 costs.

Security Industry Authority investigators, responding to a report of unlicensed door staff, worked with Lancashire Police and Hyndburn Council’s Licensing Officer to uncover a pattern of illegal working at the club.

Pete Easterbrook, of the SIA’s Criminal Investigation Team, said:

“This should serve as a warning for anyone who is tempted to pick up work as a door supervisor without an SIA licence. It should also make unscrupulous bosses think twice about getting unlicensed staff in to cover a shift at a busy time. It’s not worth it. You could find yourself with a criminal record that will end your career in security. Door supervision is a responsible profession that should be left to those who are properly qualified and licensed.”

Daniel Webb, who is also unlicensed, had worked at the club in January 2020. He was employed by Hunter Irwin Security Specialists Ltd, who provided door supervisors to the premises under contract.

Webb, who appeared before the court at the same time as Irwin, has entered a ‘not guilty’ plea. His trial is due to take place at Burnley Magistrates Court on 17 December.​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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