Service order for V8 drone violation

A TOWNSVILLE Grammar student who flew a drone over the Townsville 400 Supercars, putting event helicopters at risk, has been ordered to perform 40 hours of community service.

Year 12 student James Watson, 17, pleaded guilty in Townsville Magistrates Court to flying an aircraft above a major event.

Prosecutor Sergeant Sharna Pegg said on Saturday, July 8, Watson piloted the DJI Phantom Quadcopter from Lou Lister Park in the direction of Reid Park, where the V8s event was being held. It was flown in an area where five helicopters were doing recreational flights and a sixth was filming the event. Helicopter operators saw the drone and stopped the joy rides.

Sgt Pegg said police later saw Watson carrying the drone and issued him with a notice to appear in court.

She said she was not seeking forfeiture of the drone. The maximum penalty for the offence was $ 252,300.

Defence solicitor Phil Rennick tendered references from Townsville Grammar’s head of senior school and Red River Resources, where Watson had recently done work experience.

He said Watson’s family had just moved from Charters Towers and Watson was unaware that flying the drone in the area was an offence.

Magistrate Steven Mosch said Watson had only just turned 17 and would have been dealt with under the Youth Justice Act had he committed the offence just weeks prior.

Mr Mosch said Watson was motivated by “youthful curiosity” rather than a desire to make mischief.