Drone duo suffer miscarriage of justice

Despite not owning drones, and working throughout the aviation chaos, Paul and Elaine Gait were arrested by 12 armed officers in a raid on their Crawley home in 2018, and held for 36 hours without charge. 

 

No charge has yet been brought against anyone for the mass disruption caused by illegal drone flights at the transport hub. Gatwick was forced to close for 30 hours in total over a 3-day period in 2018 affecting more than 140,000 passengers and 1,000 flights. 

 

The Police have subsequently admitted that some of the drone sightings may have been due to the use of their own craft.

 

The Gaits' legal team announced that following the couple's ordeal, which the force accepts, was "traumatic", Sussex Police had agreed to an out-of-court settlement package of £200,000 in compensation and legal costs

 

A letter sent by David Miller, the force's assistant chief constable, to Mr and Mrs Gait stated, "I am deeply sorry…we recognise that things could have been done differently and, as a result, Sussex Police have agreed to pay you compensation and legal costs."

 

In a statement Mr and Mrs Gait said, "We are delighted to have finally received vindication. It has been a very long fight for justice. The sums being paid by Sussex Police and letter received from the Assistant Chief Constable are confirmation of our innocence and wrongful treatment. It has taken lengthy legal proceedings to obtain resolution from the police and to finally have closure on this distressing time. We look forward to moving on and putting this terrible episode behind us."

 

Despite the apology and compensation payment the couple said they have yet to receive an explanation explanation as to why they were detained for a day and a half "incommunicado". 

 

The whole episode was branded "a gross miscarriage of justice" by their solicitor.

 

 

Collings Solicitors

Altrincham