Drone Offence Investigation Dropped Following BSQ Legal Intervention
BSQ’s resident drone law solicitor, Patrick O’Hanlon, recently authored a blog post offering clear guidance to drone enthusiasts on the legal risks of flying in no-fly zones and what to do if contacted by the police.
That article included case studies where Patrick successfully defended clients facing drone-related investigations. You can read his drone prosecutions guide here. Since its publication, BSQ is pleased to report another successful outcome for a private client, following Patrick’s expert intervention in a criminal drone investigation.
Case Summary: Alleged Drone Flight Over Royal Yacht
In this latest case, a BSQ client—a practicing GP—was accused of flying a drone over the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool during a time when the Royal yacht, HM Prince of Wales, was docked nearby. The police alleged that this flight may have breached drone regulations and requested that the client attend a voluntary interview under caution.
The client promptly instructed Patrick O’Hanlon to act on his behalf. Patrick attended the interview alongside the client and later submitted detailed written representations to the police, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to support a prosecution.
The police agreed with the arguments presented and formally discontinued the investigation. No further action was taken, and the client retained their good character without facing any criminal charge.
This is the second case in recent months where Patrick has successfully secured a discontinuance in a drone-related investigation involving a BSQ professional client.
How We Can Help
If you've been contacted by police about a drone flight, or asked to attend an interview under caution, it’s essential to seek legal advice early. At BSQ, we specialise in defending drone operators — whether recreational users or professionals — who are facing criminal allegations.
Drone laws are complex and constantly evolving, and even experienced users can find themselves under investigation. For expert legal advice, contact our London office on 0203 858 0851 to speak with our team and find out how we can help.