Released Gatwick ‘drone couple’ say they are ‘deeply distressed’ at experience

The couple falsely arrested over the Gatwick Airport drone chaos have said they feel ‘completely violated’ by their experience.

Paul Gait and wife Elaine Kirk-Gait were released without charge but say they are now receiving medical attentions because of their ordeal.

Visibly shaken, Paul gave a statement outside their home in Crawley, saying: ‘As you can imagine we are feeling completely violated.

‘Our home has been searched and our privacy and identity completely exposed.

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‘Our names, photos and other personal information has been broadcast throughout the world.

‘We are deeply distressed as are our family and friends and we are currently receiving medical care.’

Mr Gait, 47, added that the way they were ‘initially perceived was disgusting’ but he added that anyone who knew them ‘didn’t doubt us for a second.’

He added that they were overwhelmed by the support they had received.

Mr Gait and his wife, 54, were arrested and questioned for 36 hours following a tip-off from a member of the public.

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They were released on Sunday morning amid fierce criticism of the police investigation and coverage of their arrest.

Gatwick Airport has since offered a £50,000 reward for information leading to any arrest over the drone saga, that saw 1,000 aircraft cancelled or diverted.

Around 150,000 passengers were affected since the runway was closed at 9pm on Wednesday after the drone sighting.

Mr Gait, a window fitter, was defended by his boss John Allard, at Allard Double Glazing in Crowborough, who confirmed that on Wednesday and most of Thursday, his employee had been installing guttering for a client.

On Sunday there were reports that there may not have been drones in the area at all.

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However Sussex Police this morning said that claim was down to ‘miscommunication’ and there were ‘numerous illegal drone sightings over the airport’ between December 19 and 21.

Deputy Chief Constable Jo Shiner added: ‘There were numerous reports clustered around 37 occasions where a drone or drones were seen and I am keen for those responsible to be brought to justice.

‘The impact of this criminal and reckless behaviour has been enormous and we are determined to locate those responsible to bring them to justice.’

Police are also carrying out a forensic investigation of a damaged drone found near the airport perimeter, close to the last reported sighting.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Tingley said on Sunday that there were some ‘persons of interest’ but would not reveal if police were close to making any further arrests.

Mr Tingley warned police could not rule out the risk the culprits would strike again at Gatwick or another airport.

‘Someone, somewhere knows either the perpetrator or perpetrators responsible for this, or has information relating to these incidents,’ he said.

‘Our tactical response, should there be any more drone sightings, is still in place.’