First prosecution for flying drones sees security guard fined £1,800

A man who flew drones over the Palace of Westminster and near Buckingham Palace, as well as above Premier League football stadiums, such as Anfield, has been fined £1,800.

Nigel Wilson, a 42-year-old security guard, showed "flagrant disregard" for people's safety, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

The hobbyist shot videos to upload to his YouTube channel using three unmanned aircraft.

It is the first time a person has been prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service for using drones following a police-led operation.

Wilson filmed aerial views from heights of at least 100 metres of Premier League, Champions League and Championship football matches between September and November last year.

A dramatic soundtrack accompanied other videos, showing Big Ben from close range, the Queen Victoria memorial next to Buckingham Palace and the Shard skyscraper.

Wilson, a married father-of-two, also filmed a Derby County-Reading Championship clash at Derby Stadium, an Arsenal-Tottenham derby at the Emirates Stadium and Manchester City's game with Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.

Judge Purdy told Wilson he had put the public at risk by flying the drones over busy, built-up areas.

The defendant was also given two crime prevention orders banning him from purchasing, borrowing or using for any purpose a drone or encouraging anyone else to do so.

Wilson, from Bingham in Nottingham, pleaded guilty to four charges of flying small unmanned surveillance aircraft over a congested area and five of not maintaining direct, unaided visual contact with a small unmanned surveillance aircraft.