A man who crashed a drone at a concert on Brighton beach has been convicted in the first case of its kind in court.
Footage shows the drone flying just over the heads of revellers before smashing into the stage, narrowly missing a musician.
Giles Dalby, 39, who had used the drone contrary to the Air Navigation Order is believed to be the first prosecution under the legislation.
At Brighton Magistrates Court he admitted recklessly or negligently causing or permitting an aircraft to endanger a person or property at the gig on July 24 2022.
The event, called On the Beach, was described as a ‘one day, open-air and high energy drum and bass experience’ and featured acts such as Andy C, Sub Focus, Wilkinson, Shy FX, Dimension, Friction and Harriet Jaxxon.
Giles Dalby, 39, from Brighton was flying a drone over crowds during the open-air festival On The Beach when he lost control of the aircraft
A Sussex Police spokesperson said: ‘It is believed to be the first prosecution of its kind under the legislation.’
Dalby, a former fire safety worker of Devonshire Place, Brighton, was fined £576, with a £230 surcharge and £85 costs.
Sussex Police Drone Training Officer PC Steven Prince said: ‘Dalby operated a drone above a crowded beach concert on Brighton beach.
‘He lost control of the aircraft which then crashed into the stage, near to a musician who was in the middle of a live performance.
‘Dalby is fortunate that no one was harmed, but this case should act as a reminder to all drone operators about how to stay within the law.’
Sussex Police and the UK Civil Aviation Authority released the footage to highlight the danger of using drones illegally.
The law states anyone responsible for a drone must register with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and anyone flying a drone must get a Flyer ID.
The operator is legally responsible for every flight, and must keep the aircraft in sight at all times, not fly it below 400ft and it must not be flown over a congested area.
The ex-fire safety worker crashed the drone onto the stage, narrowly missing a musician who was performing
No one was hurt at the festival but Sussex Police hope the incident will remind drone owners to ‘stay within the law’
Dalby is the first person to be prosecuted under the Air Navigation Order which states it is illegal to fly drones over crowds and below 400ft
Dalby, a former fire safety worker was fined £576, with a £230 surcharge and £85 costs
Jonathan Nicholson, spokesperson at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: ‘Drones can be great fun to fly and are undertaking more and more useful rules such as delivering medical supplies.
‘However, they must be flown safely and this incident shows what can happen if people don’t follow the rules.
‘Our dronecode provides a simple guide to the rules along with advice on how to enjoy flying your drone.’