Careless Brighton Drone Pilot Flew Into Concert Stage

A careless Brighton drone pilot flew his device into a concert stage, narrowly missing performer Fatboy Slim in the process.

Giles Dalby, 39, of Devonshire Place, Brighton, admitted allowing his drone to endanger a person or property when he appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 4th January 2024.

Article 241 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 requires that a person must not recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft to endanger any person or property. Breaching this requirement is an offence under article 265(7) of the Order, the maximum penalty for which is an unlimited fine on summary conviction; 2 years' custody and/or an unlimited fine on conviction on indictment.

Magistrates heard that Dalby, who runs a local photography company, attended the Big Beach Boutique event at Brighton beach on Friday, 22nd July 2022.

Whilst there he recorded footage of the event by flying his DJI Mini drone over the 8,500 strong crowd and crashing into the stage.

Megan Attree, prosecuting, told the court: "DJ Norman Cook, also known as Fatboy Slim, was playing. At quarter to ten, the security were alerted that a drone had crashed into the stage, narrowly missing the crowd and the headline act.

"There was flight recording data on the drone, and it identified that the defendant had ignored multiple warnings.

"The defendant had placed the drone into sport mode, in which obstacle avoiding doesn't work, which increases the dangers.

"The footage shows a near miss collision with the crowd and performer. There was no damage or injury, but the risk was very real and very present."

The prosecutor added that Dalby, who had no previous convictions, had ignored multiple electronic warnings in an effort to gather his footage.

The 39-year-old, who appeared unrepresented, said: "I did not intend to put anyone in danger. I wanted to create a slow, cinematic appearance.

"I crashed trying to leave the area, looking to back out for an overview of the scene and finish with a wide view.

"It was an honest mistake that I will ensure will never repeat itself."

Raymond Brenton JP, Presiding Justice, told the defendant: "After what we have heard today, together with your previous good character and early guilty plea, we will deal with this by way of a fine."

Dalby was fined £576 and ordered to pay £85 towards prosecution costs and £230 surcharge.

The court allowed him to keep his drone.