Drone Daredevil Faces Jail After RAF Hurricane Near-Miss
Mark Bagguley, 49, from Chatsworth Road, Fairfield, has pleaded guilty to endangering an aircraft and flying his drone out of sight. The incident shocked thousands during a Battle of Britain memorial fly-past at Buxton Carnival in July 2022.
Drone Zips Too Close to Historic RAF Hurricane
During the event, marked by a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) warning drone pilots to keep clear, Bagguley flew his drone dangerously close to the wing of an RAF Hurricane. Around 20,000 spectators watched as the vintage plane soared overhead.
Photos from the day clearly show the drone buzzing perilously close to the aircraft’s wing, putting lives at risk.
Police Crackdown Sees Drone Seized and Operator Caught
Authorities traced the drone back to Bagguley after confiscating the device and analysing its flight data. He appeared today at Derby Crown Court.
Bagguley was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months. He was fined £3,000, plus £450 in costs and a £187 victim surcharge. Additionally, he must complete 100 hours of unpaid work and adhere to a curfew until May next year.
Warning from Police Drone Chief: “Illegal and Reckless”
“We welcome this sentence today as it reflects the serious risk this posed to the public,” said PC Matthew Moore, Flight Safety Manager for Derbyshire’s drone unit.
“The way the pilot flew his drone was unsafe, illegal, and totally unacceptable. His actions could have caused catastrophic consequences if the drone had collided with the plane, potentially making the pilot lose control.”
“Anyone using a drone must follow the rules to fly safely. Misuse not only endangers aircraft and the public but also threatens the future of drone technology.”
Drone Users: Follow the Rules or Face the Consequences
Drones must be operated safely and legally. This means registering the operator, proving pilot competency, and keeping a safe distance from people, built-up areas, and manned aircraft.
Police warn anyone breaking drone laws will face investigation and possible prosecution.
