Drones cause Gatwick chaos. 20/12/2018, ongoing.

[whole diary]

[JayMac]

I think you mean *what* drone. Police saying it might not even exist as no footage, only human verbal reports with no details exist.

And that was a "miscommunication" by police. 67 individual reported sightings.

[ChrisB]

hmmm. Video of interview with Police not withdrawn yet...

[broadgage]

I suspect that some of the initial reported sightings were real, but that the situation then degenerated into hysteria, with most subsequent reports being mistaken.
I also consider it possible that a large drone, or even a manned glider or microlight was flown at a permitted distance from the airport, and was mistaken for a smaller craft much nearer.

If the initial drone flights WERE a deliberate attempt to cause disruption, then those responsible are probably very impressed with the results.

[Clan Line]

It's starting to remind me of the Warminster "Thing"......................

[Surrey 455]

Could be a portal to Rendlesham Forest. 

[grahame]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page)

A couple arrested over the Gatwick Airport drone chaos that halted flights have received £200,000 in compensation.

Armed police stormed the home of Paul and Elaine Gait in December 2018, and held them for 36 hours after drones caused the airport to close repeatedly.

The couple were released without charge, and sued Sussex Police for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment.

On Sunday, their legal team announced the force had agreed to an out-of-court settlement package.

Sussex Police confirmed it has paid the couple the £55,000 owed in damages, and law firm Howard Kennedy said it has billed the force an additional £145,000 in legal costs.

...

No they haven't received 200k - they've received 55k. The lawyers have received nearly three times that.

[bobm]

I must admit when I read that on the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) my first thought was what was the size of the legal bill. 

[TonyK]

A good day for justice. "Don't worry my friend, we'll sue them for what's rightfully mine. I mean yours." The legal costs would been a lot higher had it gone to court, but the compensation wouldn't have been. Maybe the police needed a few reminders? The alibi seemed a bit flimsy - "We don't own a drone and were both at work". I'm no Inspector Clouseau, but  reckon I could have confirmed or debunked that fairly quickly with resorting to any an early morning call with the Police Universal Doorkey.

Still, £55,000 for 36 hours work - could someone start a rumour about me flying drones near airports please?

[grahame]

Still, £55,000 for 36 hours work - could someone start a rumour about me flying drones near airports please?

I have liked (and I know you jest) - but I urge caution.  36 hours could turn into 37 years.  Forgive this being a Facebook link ... https://www.facebook.com/AGTLiveTour/videos/1131819503856215/

[TonyK]

I have liked (and I know you jest) - but I urge caution.  36 hours could turn into 37 years.  Forgive this being a Facebook link ... https://www.facebook.com/AGTLiveTour/videos/1131819503856215/

I certainly wouldn't try it in any of those former colonies where justice remains arbitrary, but we remain more tolerant over here, including of idiots. So I should be OK.