‘Appropriate force’ used
A SECURITY guard at a Christmas attraction who allegedly put a shocked father in a headlock in front of his two-year-old son has defended his actions.
Police are investigating an incident at Swansea’s Waterfront Winterland.
Milton Meah, aged 40, from Neath, was at the ice skating and fairground ride attraction with a number of members of his family.
He was filming the event for his Youtube channel, Scenic Sky Views, when he claimed he was approached by members of security.
Mr Meah claimed that what followed was unnecessarily forceful.
Now John Uden, aged 66, who worked at the Waterfront Winterland, claims he used appropriate force to restrain Mr Meah, and was acting on a complaint made by a member of public about Mr Milton filming.
Mr Uden said: “I was approached by a gentleman on crutches who asked me to stop a man filming his child.
“I went over to Mr Meah and said ‘Excuse me sir, can you please stop filming as you have no children on this ride.’
“He said he could do as he liked, it was a public place.”
According to Mr Uden he asked the man again to stop filming or he would be escorted away.
“I used what is known as a restraint, with my arm diagonally across Mr Meah’s chest.
“He was trying to free himself, and he said I was choking him, and I said I wasn’t and to stand still.
“I let go of him and my colleague and I walked him off site.
“Not at any time did a member of security or a member of Sayers touch his camera whatsoever.”
The police have stated that there is no change in their investigation.
In response, Mr Meah said: “The security guard did not restrain me as he described, his arm was around my neck and I couldn’t breathe.
“I was filming on my Samsung s8 phone. It wasn’t a big professional camera, it was a mobile phone, and many other people at the venue also had their phones out taking pictures and filming the rides.
“My family was with me, I wasn’t going to harm anyone, I’m not a danger.” Milton Meah at home with his son Faizan. A SPOKESMAN for Sayers said: “The policy will remain part of Sayers operating procedures which allows Sayers to challenge individuals taking photographs if they are brought to the attention of members of the public or the security personnel have concerns while they are on site.
“The challenge more often than not involves individuals who tend to be on their own with a more professional camera taking photographs of the aesthetics which, of course is harmless, but Sayers feel it within their right at their privately-managed events to challenge them as to the purpose for them taking photographs.
“On the rare occasions when requests for further information is required, providing the security personnel are satisfied with the response they will allow them to continue but reminding them of the constraints regarding taking close-up photographs of other people’s children.
“Sayers do not want to limit anyone’s experience whilst visiting their events, but child protection is an absolute priority for the company and the experience has been that most photographers are aware of the aims of the policy and are very happy to comply with any requests for further information. Information on this subject is always displayed at the entrance to the event site as part of conditions of entry.”
Robert Corp, safety advisor for Sayers, said the signposting on the entrance to the attraction said that if anyone wished to take photographs, they should check with management before doing so.