On 26 June 2023 a Bolton company director pleaded guilty to deploying an unlicensed security operative to a Manchester music festival last summer.

Mr Kevin Santarro, sole director of Number One Security Ltd was prosecuted at Bolton Magistrates’ Court. The court ordered Santarro to pay a fine of £500 plus a victim surcharge of £50 and prosecution costs of £1,015.20.

The court also ordered Number One Security Ltd. to pay a £500 fine, a victim surcharge of £50 and prosecution costs of £592.20.

The case began on 11 June 2022 when Security Industry Authority (SIA) investigators completed routine licence compliance checks at the music festival.

The operation was led by the SIA in partnership with Greater Manchester Police officers.

SIA investigators found a man working with illegal documents. Police officers detained the man at the festival on the day, where he then provided his correct details and identification. The man confirmed to the police that he had been deployed by Number One Security Ltd and Mr Santarro.

SIA Criminal Investigators sent a request for information to Mr Santarro, which he failed to respond to correctly.

SIA Investigators interviewed Mr Santarro under caution on 01 December 2022 in Leeds. He admitted to investigators to failing to complete adequate due diligence checks and to supply the SIA with the required information to assist with its criminal investigation.

Nicola Bolton, one of the SIA’s criminal investigations managers, said: “Kevin Santarro pleaded guilty to supplying illegal security to the Manchester festival event.

“The SIA licensing regime exists to protect the public, yet Santarro chose to operate illegally, putting the safety of festival goers at risk by his actions.

“Mr Santarro now has a criminal record.

“I also wish to thank Greater Manchester Police for assisting us in uncovering this offending and securing convictions.”

The security guard deployed by Mr Santarro’s company, Mr Adewale Balogun, entered not guilty pleas to the court and elected for trial at Bolton Crown Court on 31 July 2023.

(Source: SIA)