Man who flew drone over school also had indecent images

A man who flew a drone over a primary school and admitted having indecent images of children has been sentenced after taking "no accountability" for his actions.

Jeremy Bird, 48, of Coldharbour Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, pleaded guilty at Winchester Crown Court on Tuesday to two counts of making indecent images of children and recklessly allowing an aircraft to endanger people or property

He was given a jail sentence of 19 months, suspended for two years, and made the subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Wiltshire Police said Bird took "no accountability" for his actions and did not acknowledge the "fear" he caused to children in Salisbury.

Police received a report of a drone being flown over school playing fields in Salisbury on 13 September 2023.

At around the same time, Wiltshire Police said officers were told a man had been seen recording children from a different school on a visit to a harvest festival.

The same man was seen a short time later in a vehicle appearing to be taking more pictures of the children.

Wiltshire Police identified the man as Bird and, when he was arrested, a search of his devices revealed "a considerable number" of indecent images of unknown children.

Complex Crime Investigator Debbie Quayle thanked the schools who came forward with information that led to Bird's conviction.

She added: "He has now been sentenced and has been made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which places limits on his internet use and travel.

"He is also not allowed to own or use a drone and must also allow officers into his address to do checks."

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.