Drone pilot fined for flying device over major fire

An amateur drone pilot who flew his device over a fire as emergency services were responding to the incident has been sentenced in what police said was the first conviction of its kind.

Christopher McEwen, 46, of Crome Road, Norwich, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to 17 offences including flying a drone close to where an emergency response was ongoing, Norfolk Police said

McEwen also flew a drone over Norwich Prison and in the restricted zone around Norwich Airport where the device got dangerously close to a light aircraft.

District Judge Matthew Bone said McEwen's actions were "reckless" and he was fined £2,000 at Norwich Magistrates' Court.

McEwen was also ordered to pay an £880 victim surcharge and £110 in costs, and to forfeit his drone to be destroyed.

Norwich Magistrates' Court was shown footage of the illegal flights, which showed the drone flying near to light aircraft.

The charges related to incidents that took place between January and May 2025, which saw McEwen piloting a drone without the proper certificate of competency, failing to comply with maximum operating heights and flying beyond the line of sight.

He admitted flying a drone over a large fire at a factory in January 2025 without having permission from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.

He also used a drone to take photos over Norwich Prison.

McEwen's defence counsel said he had been diagnosed with mental health difficulties and had used the drone as a "creative outlet" and hoped to start a business selling its pictures.

Judge Bone said that McEwen's drone was "was far too high and far too close to a light aircraft".

From 1 January, drone pilots must complete a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) online theory test to get a Flyer ID - something previously only needed for heavier drones.

Chris Bradbury, from British Drone Flyers, said the rules were "fairly common sense".

"It's very important to follow the rules for safety," he added.

Norfolk Police said McEwen's conviction for flying over emergency services during a major incident was believed to be the first of its kind.

PC Jon Parker said: "McEwen's offending showed a blatant disregard for the rules and regulations imposed on those who want to fly a drone.

"These guidelines are in place to protect everyone's safety and they must be respected. We appreciate many people will feel that these are minor offences however they can have devastating consequences."

Alan Ward, an aviation adviser for East Anglian Air Ambulance, which is based at Norwich Airport, said: "A collision between a drone and an air ambulance, or any aircraft, could be catastrophic.

"Beyond this, a drone could cause a delay to critical care operations by prohibiting safe landings and take-offs. Today's verdict is a reminder of the risks and the legal responsibilities of drone operators."

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