Drones Couple Arrested

[malagabob]

As title. A man and a woman have were arrested yesterday. Apart from a full jail term, not a 12 month suspended sentence. Should this pair have a lifetime ban from flying on all airlines. Your thoughts.

[ladybirder]

NJ, they could be charged with endangering life according to the police in the link I posted yesterday (I think).

[TonyV]

Lady yes awful though that others may try

[New Judge]

"NJ, they could be charged with endangering life according to the police in the link I posted yesterday (I think)."

Without research I don't know of such an offence of simply "endangering life", lb. I know of "Causing explosions with intent to endanger life" and "arson with intent to endanger life" (obviously neither of which are applicable here). This somewhat reinforces my belief that it is not wise to rely on serving police officers for legal advice.

However, back to my original point, it may be difficult to prove that the drone pilots intended to "endanger life" or even the safety of an aircraft.

[10ClarionSt]

I'm still convinced that it will happen again. Certain people, of a "disruptive bent", will no doubt have been watching and taking note, then, at another busy or appropriate moment to everyone, they will act simultaneously, at all the international airports in this country. Probably the day after Brexit.

[THECORBYLOON]

NJ the SI says "A person must not recklessly or negligently act in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft, or any person in an aircraft."

I'm not sure how repeatedly flying a drone at an airport can be anything other than reckless or negligently endangering an aircraft.

[jno]

they've been released without charge.

So no, a lifetime flying ban looks unlikely.

[HansUrbancka]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-46665615

[New Judge]

"I'm not sure how repeatedly flying a drone at an airport can be anything other than reckless or negligently endangering an aircraft."

I agree, Corby, and that would certainly be my interpretation (as the "Man on the Clapham Omnibus"). But things are never that straightforward and Clapham Man's thoughts do not always concur with those of M'Learned Friends.

[dannyk13]

They have been released and are no longer suspects.

[Neveracrossword]

Yes, Danny - mentioned earlier today.

[weecalf]

So what do the papers who named the people do now .Will be interesting .

[ToraToraTora]

they'll do what they normally do, print a retraction in small print on page 27!

[dannyk13]

Police have now found a damaged drone near to the airport.

[jim360]

The Mail on Sunday's headline was particularly libellous... "Are these the morons...?"

Answer: No.

Apology well-deserved, considering, although probably not forthcoming.

[dannyk13]

They will probably claim that they were posing a question and not actually making an accusation.

[sandyRoe]

I hear they've been released without charge.

[dannyk13]

11.25 & 12.29

[maggiebee]

Well well, and lots on here were willing to hang, draw and quarter them!

[ToraToraTora]

who was that maggie? I think we all preceded our comments with "if it's them" which renders your assertion complete shoemakers.

[HansUrbancka]

maggiebee has been open minded from the start of this thread and should be applauded for it. Perhaps even worthy of a best answer.

Hans.