Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday 14th March 2025, at 15:30hrs
A Wirral man has been hit with a hefty fine after being found guilty of breaching drone flight restrictions while filming the new Everton FC stadium and locations in Anglesey.
Nicholas Durbin, 45, was convicted at Sefton Magistrates Court on Thursday, March 13, for four offences related to illegal drone use.
The charges stemmed from two separate incidents where he significantly exceeded legal height and distance limits.
The court heard that on May 9, 2024, Durbin flew his drone over the River Mersey from the Wirral to the Bramley Moore Dock, where the new Everton stadium is being built.
During this flight, he exceeded the 400ft height limit and travelled up to 1.3km from his takeoff point, meaning he lost visual line of sight with the drone.
A previous incident on March 20, 2024, saw Durbin flying a drone in Anglesey at nearly 300ft above the legal height limit and reaching a distance of 2.39km, again exceeding the visual line of sight restriction.
Durbin was found guilty of two counts of failing to comply with operating height regulations and two counts of failing to keep the drone within sight.
He was ordered to pay a combined fine of £1,600, a victim surcharge of £640, and costs of £650, totaling £2,890.
Sergeant Kyle Sayers of Merseyside Police emphasised the seriousness of the offences, highlighting the potential danger posed to other airspace users.
“Over the coming months Merseyside Police will be proactively targeting illegal drone use,” he stated, warning that temporary restricted airspace will be in place during the upcoming Aintree Festival.
He explained that airspace restrictions are crucial for public safety, similar to road closures or river patrols.
“We have used drone restrictions to great effect during past large public events including Eurovision, Aintree Festival and the visit of HMS Prince of Wales to ensure people are not in any danger,” Sgt Sayers added.
The police are taking a proactive approach to enforcing drone regulations, not just within restricted airspace.
“Drone users who fly inside a Restricted Airspace that have not been granted permission will be guilty of committing an offence and could be prosecuted as well as having their equipment seized and confiscated,” he warned.
This case serves as a stark reminder to drone operators of the importance of adhering to regulations, with significant financial penalties awaiting those who flout the law.
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