Parklife: Company director supplied 'illegal security'

Kevin Santarro, 54, was sole director of Number One Security Ltd when he deployed the guard to work at the Heaton Park festival last June.

Bolton Magistrates Court heard how he had admitted to Security Industry Authority Investigation officers that he had failed to complete adequate due diligence checks.

SIA criminal investigation manager Nicola Bolton said: “Kevin Santarro pleaded guilty to supplying illegal security to the Manchester festival event.

The case was heard at Bolton Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

“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.”

The court heard how the investigation began when SIA officers were taking part in a routine licence compliance check at the festival on June 11 in partnership with Greater Manchester Police.

There they found a man working with illegal documents, who officers then arrested the same day.

The man gave them his correct details and identification and told police that Santarro, of Twine Street, Hunslet, and Number One Security Ltd had deployed him.

Santarro at first failed to respond correctly when SIA investigators asked for more information but was interviewed under caution on December 1 last year in Leeds.

At this point he admitted he had to complete adequate due diligence checks and to supply the SIA with the required information to assist with its criminal investigation.

Brought before Bolton Magistrates Court on June 26 he pleaded guilty to using an unlicenced security operative and to failing to comply with a requirement to produce a document or information.

Magistrates ordered Santarro to pay a fine of £500 with a victim surcharge of £50 and prosecution costs of £1,015.20.

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

Ms Bolton said: “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 guard deployed by Santarro’s company pleaded not guilty to fraud by false representation and is now set to face a trial at Bolton Crown Court on July 31 this year.