Man fined £3,000 for flying drone near TT races

An Essex man has become the first person prosecuted for flying a drone near the TT races.

Alex Matthew Shrimpton of Rayford Close appeared before magistrates at Douglas Courthouse.

The 23 year old admitted flying a drone within a kilometre of the TT course during racing on Wednesday.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told the hearing race control was alerted about a drone near Sulby Bridge shortly before 2.30pm.

Police arrived and spoke to marshals and spectators before arresting Shrimpton when he admitted the aircraft was his.

His advocate Winston Taylor told the court his client had no idea about restrictions on drones near the circuit.

Mr Swain told the bench ignorance of the law was no excuse, and asked magistrates to seize the drone.

Magistrates told him drones affecting racers or the medical helicopter could lead to a catastrophe.

They fined him £3,000 and ordered him to pay £125 costs immediately or face 180 days in jail.

The drone equipment was also ordered forfeited and destroyed.