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Guard Fined For Flying Drones Over Stadiums

A security guard has been convicted of flying drones over football grounds and London landmarks in what is believed to be the first successful prosecution of its kind.

Nigel Wilson, 42, illegally used unmanned aircraft to film aerial views of Liverpool's Anfield venue as well as Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, Manchester City's Etihad Stadium and Derby's iPro Stadium.

The filming took place during busy match days, and police said he "put many people in real danger".

Wilson also flew the devices over or near various buildings in the capital, including the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, HMS Belfast and the Shard.

The defendant, described in court as a "hobbyist", was fined £1,800 and also given two crime prevention orders banning him from purchasing, borrowing or using for any purpose a drone or encouraging anyone else to do so.

He either had no direct sight of the aircraft, flew them within 150 metres of congested areas, or within 50 metres of buildings - all offences under the Air Navigation Order 2009.

He later posted some of his videos on his YouTube channel.

A court heard he showed a "flagrant disregard" for people's safety as the three aircraft travelled over busy and built-up areas between September and November last year.

Police horses were startled as Wilson flew a device near officers during a Champions League group stage game between Liverpool and Ludogorets at Anfield, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

The married father-of-two, from Bingham in Nottingham, pleaded guilty to four charges of flying small unmanned surveillance aircraft over a congested area.

He also admitted five of not maintaining direct, unaided visual contact with a small unmanned surveillance aircraft.

District Judge Quentin Purdy told him: "At each and every one of these places an accident could have occurred simply by a gust of wind or something of that nature taking it out of your control. In each and every case you knew what you were doing.

"Several times you were warned by police, who seized drones from you, and on numerous occasions by people posting on your YouTube channel. It was the height of arrogance in terms of public safety."

Chief Inspector Nick Aldworth said: "As drones become more widely available, it's important that anyone using this type of small aircraft understands that there are strict regulations on how and where they can be flown.

"And that police, in partnership with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), will look to prosecute anyone who does not follow these rules.

"Flying drones over congested areas or buildings can pose great risks to public safety and security and Wilson put many people in real danger.

"Today's outcome should serve as a warning to anyone thinking of doing similar that they could end up in court if they ignore these regulations."

Susan Bryant, defending, said of the drone incidents: "It was something he put a great amount of time into in terms of improving his skill."

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