Drone Daredevil Jailed for Zipping Too Close to RAF Hurricane
Mark Bagguley, 49, of Fairfield, has been handed a suspended prison sentence after flying his drone dangerously close to an RAF Hurricane during the Battle of Britain memorial fly-past at Buxton Carnival in July 2022.
Flying Close to Danger
Bagguley admitted to endangering an aircraft and operating his drone beyond the visual line of sight. The reckless stunt occurred despite a NOTAM warning that explicitly informed drone operators about the fly-past.
Stunning images captured on the day showed the drone dangerously close to the wing of the historic Hurricane jet, watched by around 20,000 spectators. Police swiftly launched an investigation, seized the drone, and confirmed it was in Buxton airspace at the time.
Sentenced for Serious Risk
At Derby Crown Court, Bagguley received six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, alongside a £3,000 fine plus £450 in court costs and a £187 victim surcharge. He must also complete 100 hours of unpaid work and adhere to a curfew until May next year.
“The way the pilot flew his drone was unsafe, illegal, and totally unacceptable,” said PC Matthew Moore, Flight Safety Manager, Derbyshire Constabulary. “His actions could have caused a serious crash if the drone hit the plane.”
“Anyone flying a drone must follow the rules. Misuse threatens public safety and the future of drone technology,” PC Moore added.
Drone Safety Warnings
Police remind all drone users: follow the rules, keep drones in sight, register as operators, maintain separation distances from people and manned aircraft, and ensure pilot competence.
Offenders face investigation and potential prosecution. Flying drones recklessly puts lives at risk and will not be tolerated.
