Security boss found guilty of supplying unlicensed security to Poulton school

Martin Coe, 44, of Fleetwood Road North, the former director of Evolution Security Services NW, was found guilty following a two-day trial at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court.

The prosecution was brought by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

SIA investigators discovered that unlicensed security guards had worked for Coe on numerous occasions at Baines School in Poulton, the Wyre Light pub in Fleetwood, and at the Poulton Industrial Estate.

The District Judge presiding over the trial found Coe guilty of the supply of the two unlicensed security operatives.

The matter was adjourned to Preston Crown Court for sentencing on November 4 and to start the process of recovering assets from Coe under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Coe had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to failing to provide information to the SIA, despite being legally required to do so.

Nathan Salmon, of the SIA’s Criminal Investigation Team, said: “Martin Coe refused to co-operate with an SIA investigation, and he has wasted court time by denying the charges against him. Providing unlicensed security staff to a school is a very serious matter.

"This is reflected in the fact that the judge in this trial has referred Coe’s case to a Crown Court for sentencing.

"Coe will now be banned from working in security and we will be pursuing the recovery of any profit he has made from his crimes.”

Alison Chapman, head teacher of Baines School, said: "We employ a local security company to ensure our site is kept secure over the weekend. This is always outside of school hours when none of our students are present.

"As soon as they became aware of irregularities with a subcontractor who had provided staff for our site on a small number of occasions, this company reported their concerns to the authorities, and we were happy to cooperate with the investigation which followed.

"We welcome the prosecution which has been brought by the Security Industry Authority."

Neil Reddington and another man had originally been found working at the Wyre Light in May 2019 by a licensing officer from Lancashire Constabulary, who was following up on reports of unlicensed operatives at the venue.

Both men were employed by Evolution Security.

Reddington, 51, of Southfleet Avenue, Fleetwood, was sentenced at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court on February 29 , when he he was handed a 15 week jail term, suspended for a year, and ordered to pay costs.