Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Passengers wait at Gatwick Airport in December 2018 PA Images

Couple wrongfully arrested over Gatwick Airport drone incident receive €220,000 settlement from police

Paul and Elaine Gait settled their claims against Sussex Police.

A COUPLE WHO were arrested when armed police stormed their home over the Gatwick Airport drone chaos have received a £200,000 (€222,000) settlement and an apology.

Paul and Elaine Gait have settled their claims for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment against Sussex Police, their legal team announced today.

Drone sightings near the runways over a three-day period in December 2018 caused chaos, forcing the airport to close repeatedly in the run-up to Christmas.

No-one has ever been charged over the incident and police have said that some reported drone sightings may have been Sussex Police’s own craft.

Paul and Elaine Gait were arrested when 12 armed police officers swooped on their home just before Christmas 2018.

They were then held for 36 hours before being released without charge.

This was despite the fact they did not possess any drones and had been at work during the reported sightings.

Their legal team announced on Sunday that Sussex Police has agreed to an out-of-court settlement package of £200,000 in compensation and legal costs.

The couple said in a statement: “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.”

They also said that despite the apology, they still have “no explanation” for why they were held “incommunicado” for 36 hours.

Mark Stephens, partner at Howard Kennedy, who has represented the couple since 2018 said: “It was plain as a pikestaff from day one that Mr and Ms Gait experienced a gross miscarriage of justice and I am delighted that this miscarriage has finally been marked by the police.”

In a letter to the couple shared by their legal team, Sussex Police Assistant Chief Constable David Miller said: “I am deeply sorry that you both experienced the unpleasantness of arrest and detention incommunicado for approximately 36 hours.

“I acknowledge that this would have been a traumatic time for you both.

“Unfortunately, when the police carry out their functions on behalf of the public, sometimes innocent people are arrested as part of necessary police investigations in the public interest.

“I understand that you believe that you were unlawfully arrested and detained by Sussex Police officers. This is an issue which can only be resolved by a court.

“However, we recognise that things could have been done differently and, as a result, Sussex Police have agreed to pay you compensation and legal costs.”

He also confirmed the force commissioned a “thorough independent review” of the drone incident.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

View 22 comments
Close
22 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bobby
    Favourite Bobby
    Report
    Jun 6th 2014, 5:31 PM

    Id say those under 60 are not much better.

    64
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute richardmccarthy
    Favourite richardmccarthy
    Report
    Jun 6th 2014, 4:47 PM

    I must be one of the 18%,ever since i stopped smoking 7 years ago i took to cycling excersize with a vengence, clocking up anything from 150/200 km per week on mostly coastal trips,as a form of excersize to help keep the body in shape it is very hard to beat, and would have no hesitation whatever in recommending it,just remember to wear proper hi vis clothing with helmet and a good pair of extra strong sole shoes used just for cycling shoes,and of course a good hibrid bike with strong tyres are a must.

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Emily Elephant
    Favourite Emily Elephant
    Report
    Jun 6th 2014, 5:41 PM

    You do 200k on a hybrid? Is your back made of titanium?

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute richardmccarthy
    Favourite richardmccarthy
    Report
    Jun 6th 2014, 7:11 PM

    Well Emily i never had a problem with back strenght,and even hills are not a problem to me now,but as an ex marathon runner back in the eighties i know that regular exersize builds up mental as well as body strenght and things you once thought impossible you take them in your stride, cycling is easy compared to running marathons and of course the fact you enjoy it is a big plus.

    12
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Emily Elephant
    Favourite Emily Elephant
    Report
    Jun 6th 2014, 7:52 PM

    Fair play to you. When my commute went to 11k my back said fook that, and it’s been a road bike ever since. Apparently someone did the Wicklow 200 on a DublinBike last year. Insane.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Good News Caravan
    Favourite Good News Caravan
    Report
    Jun 6th 2014, 6:43 PM

    Old folk really are lazy. It takes an age to coax my grandma out the back garden for burpees and high intensity interval training.

    I take a carrot and stick approach whereby if she doesn’t go she gets her meals taken from her.

    Fair is fair after all

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dee4
    Favourite Dee4
    Report
    Jun 6th 2014, 5:16 PM

    no reason not to be physically healthy through to your 70′s, use it lose it.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Angelic Lestat
    Favourite Angelic Lestat
    Report
    Jun 6th 2014, 4:57 PM

    I think the next generation or two will be much more physically active as they age.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marjorie Magee
    Favourite Marjorie Magee
    Report
    Jun 6th 2014, 10:55 PM

    Some will, but many will be too fat.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hallie Burton
    Favourite Hallie Burton
    Report
    Jun 6th 2014, 6:46 PM

    OK then.
    No smoking in the car.
    No giant sized drinks.
    Get yer cervix checked
    Embrace a Gay lifestyle
    Don’t drink the water from a private well
    Make eyer mind up, do you want a fry or a bale of briquettes
    Be careful flying with a certain American Airline
    I think that’s it ,now off for a walk and just hope the TV is not nicked while I’m out. :-)

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sheik Yahbouti
    Favourite Sheik Yahbouti
    Report
    Jun 6th 2014, 11:42 PM

    Spot on, Hallie, my man:-)

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marjorie Magee
    Favourite Marjorie Magee
    Report
    Jun 6th 2014, 10:54 PM

    Exercise is the key to a healthy old age. I am in my sixties and do a lot more than the recommended amount. I feel the same as I did 40 years ago and have no stiffness and soreness of joints. But you have to like doing it…..

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sheik Yahbouti
    Favourite Sheik Yahbouti
    Report
    Jun 6th 2014, 11:40 PM

    I’m puzzled. In thread after thread the over sixties are vilified, or at least criticised for consuming health care, for drawing pensions (which they have worked for) and for having paid off their mortgages. Why the sudden interest in extending our lives? I had thought it could only be a couple of years before we received a cyanide pill in the post from Ms Burton and her Department of social protection (try saying that name with a straight face).

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Catherine Mill
    Favourite Catherine Mill
    Report
    Jun 6th 2014, 6:22 PM

    Nanny state.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marc O'Donoghue
    Favourite Marc O'Donoghue
    Report
    Jun 6th 2014, 10:54 PM

    Fewer than half, not less than half.

    3
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds