SIA prosecutes door supervisor and company owner for unlicensed security work resulting in fines and unpaid community hours in Weymouth

A Weymouth door supervisor and the owner of the security company that employed him have both been convicted for operating without the proper licence, highlighting the serious consequences of ignoring regulations in the UK private security industry.

The case centers on Mark Tilley, a door supervisor who continued to work after his Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence expired in June 2024, and William Joynes, the sole director of Chesil Security Ltd, the company that deployed him.

Legal Proceedings Against Mark Tilley

On 2 September 2025, Mark Tilley appeared at Weymouth Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty to two offences under Section 3 of the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA) 2001 and one offence under Section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Tilley had continued working as a door supervisor at multiple venues around Weymouth despite his licence having lapsed.

At his sentencing on 25 November 2025, he was fined £80 per offence, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £96, and prosecution costs of £164, bringing his total financial penalty to £500.

William Joynes and Chesil Security Ltd Under Scrutiny

Investigation revealed that William Joynes had deployed Tilley without verifying that his licence had been renewed.

During an interview under caution with the SIA, Joynes admitted to failing to comply with a request for information and providing false statements, claiming that Tilley had only worked as a concierge after his licence expired, rather than as a door supervisor.

Joynes pleaded guilty to multiple offences under the PSIA, including Section 5 and Section 23, as well as Section 19 and Section 22 offences.

He also entered pleas on behalf of his company, Chesil Security Ltd, for two further PSIA offences.

Sentencing for Joynes and Chesil Security Ltd

On 26 January 2026, William Joynes was handed a 12-month community order, including 50 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £500 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

His company, Chesil Security Ltd, was fined £400, with additional prosecution costs of £500 and a £160 victim surcharge.

Nicola Bolton, Criminal Investigations Manager at the SIA, commented on the case:

“By knowingly deploying an unlicensed security operative through his company, William Joynes put the public at risk for his own profit.

Equally, Mark Tilley acted illegally by continuing to work without a licence.

Their sentencing reflects the seriousness of the offence and serves as a warning to anyone in the security industry that breaking the law will carry significant consequences.”

The Importance of SIA Licensing

In the UK, it is a legal requirement for all security operatives working under contract to hold and display a valid SIA licence.

The SIA regulates the industry, ensures standards are met, and oversees the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).

Offences under the relevant legislation include:

• PSIA Section 3 – engaging in licensable conduct without a licence
• PSIA Section 5 – supplying unlicensed operatives
• PSIA Section 19 – obstructing SIA officials or failing to respond to requests
• PSIA Section 22 – making false statements to the SIA
• Fraud Act 2006 Section 1 – false representation

The penalties imposed in this case — including fines, victim surcharges, and community service — collectively exceeded £2,000, demonstrating the serious repercussions for those who bypass licensing laws.

What’s Next?

The SIA continues to emphasise that all operators and businesses must comply with licensing requirements.

Security companies are encouraged to regularly check licences and maintain transparent records.

Failure to do so can result in both financial penalties and community orders, as seen in this case.

Summary

Mark Tilley and William Joynes have faced convictions for operating without proper SIA licences, putting the public at risk and flouting UK security laws.

Tilley worked as a door supervisor after his licence expired, while Joynes deployed him knowingly and provided false information to investigators.

Sentences included fines, prosecution costs, victim surcharges, and unpaid community work, sending a clear message to the private security industry that unlicensed work will not be tolerated.