Luton pensioner slapped with £17k penalties after being caught working as unlicensed boss of security firm

75-year-old Robert Dass, of Parys Road, Luton, appeared at Harrow Crown Court last week where he was fined £1,800 and ordered to pay costs of £7,029 for two counts of breaching the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

The court also heard that Dass already had a confiscation order for the same offences totalling £8,654.

Dass admitted at an earlier hearing to being the director of Roberts Nationwide Support Services Ltd, despite having no licence to practice.

His guilty plea came ahead of a scheduled trial at Luton and South Bedfordshire Magistrates’ Court.

Dass was sentenced for similar offences last year (see here).

Sentencing him on Wednesday, July 15, Her Honour Judge Herbert said: “You are no longer involved with this industry in any way, which I am frankly glad to hear.

"You don’t seem to have learned much from what happened before. This is a responsible business, it is important that the regulations are complied with.

"I will allow you six months to make [fine and cost] payment and 28 days’ imprisonment in default of payment. A victim surcharge will be applied in the correct amount.”

Dass was brought to justice thanks to work by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), who carried out the prosecution.

Nathan Salmon, criminal investigations manager at the SIA, said: “This is the second time that Dass has been required to pay recompense for his illegal dealings. His behaviour indicates a disregard for private security laws. He set up a shadow directorship and worked as a manager of security operatives, whilst a family member seemingly fronted the business.

"To protect the vast majority of reputable businesses operating within our industry we will prosecute anyone who continues to ignore SIA laws.

"Regulation of the industry exists in order to protect those who use contracted security services and the general public.”

The SIA originally prosecuted Robert Dass in March 2016 when he was found guilty at Luton Crown Court, along with his business Nationwide Security Management Ltd, of supplying multiple unlicensed security guards at sites across the UK.

On that occasion, he was ordered to pay £9,000 in fines and costs. In addition, his company was also found guilty on four counts and ordered to pay out £9,000.

Dass’ continued offending was identified when SIA investigators were checking licences in London in October 2017. They identified Dass as a manager and supervisor to security staff at one venue. Further investigation revealed that he was also acting as a shadow director.