This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-53041256

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Gatwick drone arrest couple receive £200k payout from Sussex Police Gatwick drone arrests: Sussex Police pays out £200,000
(about 5 hours later)
A couple arrested over the Gatwick Airport drone chaos that halted flights have received £200,000 in compensation. A police force has paid out £200,000 over the arrest of a couple falsely accused of causing chaos at Gatwick Airport with a drone.
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. Armed officers 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.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. The Gait's legal team said the force had agreed an out-of-court settlement.
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.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.
Flights were cancelled in droves over a three-day period, as police investigated multiple reported drone sightings.Flights were cancelled in droves over a three-day period, as police investigated multiple reported drone sightings.
No-one has ever been charged, and police have said that some reported drone sightings may have been Sussex Police's own craft.No-one has ever been charged, and police have said that some reported drone sightings may have been Sussex Police's own craft.
Twelve armed officers swooped on Mr and Mrs Gait's home, even though they did not possess any drones and had been at work during the reported sightings.Twelve armed officers swooped on Mr and Mrs Gait's home, even though they did not possess any drones and had been at work during the reported sightings.
In a statement released by their legal team on Sunday, the couple said: "We are delighted to have finally received vindication, it has been a very long fight for justice.In a statement released by their legal team on Sunday, the couple said: "We are delighted to have finally received vindication, it has been a very long fight for justice.
"It has taken lengthy legal proceedings to obtain resolution from the police and to finally have closure on this distressing time.""It has taken lengthy legal proceedings to obtain resolution from the police and to finally have closure on this distressing time."
In a letter to the couple, Sussex Police Assistant Chief Constable David Miller said he was "deeply sorry" for the "unpleasantness" the couple experienced, and acknowledged it would have been "traumatic".In a letter to the couple, Sussex Police Assistant Chief Constable David Miller said he was "deeply sorry" for the "unpleasantness" the couple experienced, and acknowledged it would have been "traumatic".
He added: "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.He added: "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.
"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.""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."
The force commissioned a "thorough independent review" of the drone incident last year.The force commissioned a "thorough independent review" of the drone incident last year.
It revealed 96 people "of interest" were identified, researched and ruled out during the investigation and the cost of the operation and subsequent investigation was £790,000.It revealed 96 people "of interest" were identified, researched and ruled out during the investigation and the cost of the operation and subsequent investigation was £790,000.