Belfast Actors' Agent Banned For 10 Years

A Belfast actors' agent has been banned from operating any employment agency for 10 years.

Mr Mark Butler of Universal Artists Belfast was prohibited following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

His wife, actress Alison Ford, has also been banned from running an employment agency or business, except on condition that her husband has no part to play in it and he does not have access to any person seeking work through the agency, and is not permitted on the premises.

The Order follows an extensive investigation by the Department for the Economy's Employment Agency Inspectorate into complaints received from a number of actresses alleging inappropriate conduct and behaviour on the part of Mr Butler.

The Prohibition Order was not contested by either Mr Butler or Ms Ford.

A Departmental spokesperson said: "In this case, the Employment Agency Inspectorate acted immediately to investigate a series of complaints from actresses who sought to be or had been signed to Universal Artists. The actions of the Department, based upon the evidence of the actresses who came forward, have resulted in the Industrial Tribunal imposing the maximum prohibition period permitted by the legislation for both parties."

The Department previously obtained a Prohibition Order against Mr Butler in 2009 when it became aware he had a previous conviction for indecently assaulting a young actress in 2005. The decision by the Industrial Tribunal on that occasion was that Mr Butler should be allowed to continue trading, under conditions, between 2010 and 2015.

The new Order against Mr Butler means that he is entirely banned from being involved in the running of any employment agency in Northern Ireland for 10 years. The Order against Ms Ford means that she can still run an agency but only if she ensures that Mr Butler has no contact with any work-seekers who are using, or considering using, the services of her agency. In addition, Ms Ford must also ensure that Mr Butler has no access to any premises from which she may run an agency.

(CD/LM)