Christopher McEwen, 46, from Norwich, has become the first person in the UK to be convicted for flying a drone over an emergency response. On 13 February 2026, Norwich Magistrates Court fined him £2,000 for multiple dangerous offences, including disrupting emergency services during a large industrial fire.
McEwen admitted to 17 breaches, which included flying dangerously close to emergency crews and taking photographs inside HMP Norwich prison. He also ignored restricted flying zones, exceeded height limits, and lost visual contact with his drone several times.
McEwen frequently disregarded the drone’s 120-metre height limit, flying 39 times above this restriction. In a particularly dangerous stunt last May, he flew his drone up to 1,900 feet—just 350 metres away from a light aircraft that was unaware of the drone’s presence, creating a risk of mid-air collision. Additionally, he flew 36 times beyond his visual line of sight, with one flight reaching a distance of 2,378 metres.
During most of his flights, McEwen was unregistered, violating the Air Navigation Order 2016. He also failed to complete the mandatory competency tests required for drone operators. In June 2024, he illegally flew over HMP Norwich prison and took photographs of inmates, breaching the Prison Act 1952.
PC Jon Parker of Norfolk Police condemned McEwen’s reckless behaviour, stating: “His blatant disregard for drone laws risks everyone’s safety. These rules exist for good reasons.”
Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport, warned: “Our Flight Restriction Zone covers a wide area. Drone pilots must get permission before flying here to protect aircraft and people.”
Alan Ward, Aviation Advisor for East Anglian Air Ambulance, added: “A drone collision with an air ambulance could be catastrophic and delay lifesaving missions. This case is a stark reminder of drone operators’ responsibilities.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
