Former security provider’s fine increased to $12,500
Posted by editor (editor) on Jul 22 2009
2009 >>

A former security provider has been fined $12,500 for working without a licence.

On 23 July 2008, Christopher Wayne Hall was convicted in the Brisbane Magistrates Court of 23 charges of working as a security provider without holding an appropriate licence under the Security Providers Act. He was fined $5000.

The Office of Fair Trading appealed the fine and on 13 July 2009, Hall’s fine was increased to $12,500 in the Brisbane District Court.

Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said the penalties for operating as an unlicensed security provider had increased substantially in July 2007

“The prosecution of Christopher Hall was the first to be heard in court following the increase in penalties in July 2007,” Mr Lawlor said.

“Working as an unlicensed security provider is a serious offence and I believe this new fine is an indication of just how seriously the courts treat breaches of the Security Providers Act.”

Christopher Hall’s security provider’s licence was cancelled after he was convicted of possession of a prohibited import in 2004. He had been found in possession of stun guns.

In August 2007 Office of Fair Trading inspectors carried out security provider’s compliance checks at a Brisbane shopping centre and found Mr Hall working as a security guard and directed him to cease.

One month later inspectors again made checks at the shopping centre and found Mr Hall had continued to work on 23 occasions following his initial warning.

“Working as a security provider carries a high level of responsibility and unprofessional behaviour will not be tolerated,” Mr Lawlor said.

“That’s why there are very high penalties for anyone found breaching the Security Providers Act,” he said.

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 3:58 PM