Man who used drone to spy on ex-girlfriend jailed
Skyrover X1 Fly More Combo Now $682.48 (25%) Off On Amazon With DRONEXL2025 Discount Code
In the United Kingdom, a man who used his drone to spy on his ex-girlfriend and her friend has been sentenced to jail for 16 weeks. In addition to his jail sentence, John McDermott, 42, of Birch Court, Connah’s Quay, Flintshire, was also banned from owning or using a drone in Holywell and Trelawnyd indefinitely.
Man who used drone to spy on ex-girlfriend jailed
The drone McDermott used to spy on his ex-partner has been ordered by the court to be destroyed.
McDermott pleaded guilty to using his drone to spy on Kerry Williams and her friend Daniel Redford. When Ms. Williams moved into Mr. Redford’s home at Holywell, McDermott used the drone to keep an eye on them.
Ms. Williams contacted the police on 29 September because she was being followed in a car by the defendant, Prosecutor Diane Williams said. He also tried calling her which made her feel unsafe in her own home.
As of October, McDermott started using the drone repeatedly to find out where she lived. According to the prosecutors, he was bailed for police inquiries, but McDermott breached the conditions, reports the BBC. He was observed flying the drone over the property once again.
McDermott “completely accepts what he did was wrong,” said defense solicitor Victoria Handley. She added that he had been in the armed forces and suffers from post-traumatic stress.
Stay in touch!
If you’d like to stay up to date with all the latest drone news, scoops, rumors, and reviews, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or…
Subscribe to our Daily Drone News email.*
Submit tips If you have information or tips that you would like to share with us, feel free to submit them here. Support DroneXL.co: You can support DroneXL.co by using these links when you make your next drone purchase: Adorama, Amazon, B&H, BestBuy, eBay, DJI, Parrot, and Yuneec. We make a small commission when you do so at no additional expense to you. Thank you for helping DroneXL grow! FTC: DroneXL.co uses affiliate links that generate income.
* We do not sell, share, rent out or spam your email, ever. Our email goes out on weekdays around 5:30 p.m.
Photo credit: North Wales Police
Discover more from DroneXL.co
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Check out our Classic Line of T-Shirts, Polos, Hoodies and more in our new store today!
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
Proposed legislation threatens your ability to use drones for fun, work, and safety. The Drone Advocacy Alliance is fighting to ensure your voice is heard in these critical policy discussions.Join us and tell your elected officials to protect your right to fly.
Get your Part 107 Certificate
Pass the Part 107 test and take to the skies with the Pilot Institute. We have helped thousands of people become airplane and commercial drone pilots. Our courses are designed by industry experts to help you pass FAA tests and achieve your dreams.

Copyright © DroneXL.co 2025. All rights reserved. The content, images, and intellectual property on this website are protected by copyright law. Reproduction or distribution of any material without prior written permission from DroneXL.co is strictly prohibited. For permissions and inquiries, please contact us first. DroneXL.co is a proud partner of the Drone Advocacy Alliance. Be sure to check out DroneXL's sister site, EVXL.co, for all the latest news on electric vehicles.
FTC: DroneXL.co is an Amazon Associate and uses affiliate links that can generate income from qualifying purchases. We do not sell, share, rent out, or spam your email.
