Ireland Case No. 4346Illegal drone operation (aviation safety) · Co. Limerick
Drone operator's fines reduced on appeal in Limerick
Krzysztof Luszczki, from Moineir, Clonmacken, Limerick, was convicted of flying a drone over a Snow Patrol concert at Thomond Park, Limerick City, in July 2024, operating it above 120m, beyond visual line-of-sight, and at an unsafe distance from crowds. He pleaded guilty to operating a drone over 120m within a prohibited area without authorisation and was found guilty after trial of operating it beyond visual line-of-sight and at an unsafe distance from assemblies of people. The Irish Aviation Authority prosecuted him in cooperation with An Garda Síochána at Limerick District Court in December 2025, where he was fined €4,000 and ordered to pay €1,000 towards costs. On appeal at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court in May 2026, Judge Colin Daly reduced the fine to €600 and made no order on costs.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Convicted11 Dec
- Sentenced26 May
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- A man flew a drone over a Snow Patrol concert, operating it above 120m, beyond visual line-of-sight, and at an unsafe distance from crowds.
- Where
- The incident occurred at Thomond Park, Limerick City, during a Snow Patrol concert.
- When
- The concert took place in July 2024.
- Cause
- His solicitor said he believed he had permission to fly the drone and was using it for practice flights.
- Investigation
- The incident was reported by a member of the public and by An Garda Síochána, and a garda inspector discovered him operating the drone illegally.
- Charges
- He pleaded guilty to operating a drone over 120m within a prohibited area without authorisation and was found guilty after trial of operating it beyond visual line-of-sight and at an unsafe distance from assemblies of people without authorisation.
- In court
- The Irish Aviation Authority prosecuted him in cooperation with An Garda Síochána at Limerick District Court in December 2025.
- On appeal at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Colin Daly allowed the appeal on grounds of the severity of the original sentence.
- Sentence
- Judge Catherine Ryan fined him €4,000 and ordered him to pay €1,000 towards costs.
- Judge Daly reduced the fine from €4,000 to €600 and made no order on costs.
- Other details
- The defendant was known to the IAA and was an experienced drone pilot but lacked the correct authorisation.
- The IAA said the actions posed a security risk and a safety risk to concert attendees.
22 statements extracted from the articles
- whatA man convicted of flying a drone over a Snow Patrol concert won a reduction in his fines on appeal. (limerickpost.ie)
- whereThe incident occurred at a Snow Patrol concert at Thomond Park, Limerick City. (corkbeo.ie)
- whereThe drone was flown over Thomond Park, Limerick, during a Snow Patrol concert. (limerickpost.ie)
- whenThe concert took place in July 2024. (corkbeo.ie)
- whenThe drone operation took place during a Snow Patrol concert in July 2024. (limerickpost.ie)
- causeHis solicitor said he believed he had permission to fly the drone and was using it for practice flights. (limerickpost.ie)
- investigationThe incident was reported by a member of the public and by An Garda Síochána. (corkbeo.ie)
- investigationA garda inspector discovered him operating the drone illegally. (limerickpost.ie)
- chargeHe pleaded guilty to operating a drone over 120m and within a prohibited area without authorisation. (corkbeo.ie)
- chargeHe was additionally found guilty of operating a drone beyond visual line-of-sight and at an unsafe distance from assemblies of people without authorisation. (corkbeo.ie)
- chargeHe pleaded guilty before Limerick District Court to operating a drone more than 120m above ground within a prohibited area without authorisation. (limerickpost.ie)
- chargeAfter trial he was also found guilty of operating a drone beyond visual line-of-sight and at an unsafe distance from assemblies of people without authorisation. (limerickpost.ie)
- courtThe IAA brought the prosecution in cooperation with An Garda Síochána. (corkbeo.ie)
- courtThe prosecution by the Irish Aviation Authority was heard at Limerick District Court in December. (limerickpost.ie)
- courtOn appeal, Judge Colin Daly allowed the appeal on grounds of the severity of the original sentence. (limerickpost.ie)
- sentenceThe defendant was fined €4,000 and ordered to pay €1,000 towards costs. (corkbeo.ie)
- sentenceHe was convicted and fined €4,000, and ordered to pay a contribution towards €1,000 costs. (limerickpost.ie)
- sentenceJudge Daly reduced the fines imposed on Krzysztof Luszczki from €4,000 to €600. (limerickpost.ie)
- sentenceThe appeal judge made no order on court costs. (limerickpost.ie)
- otherThe defendant was known to the IAA and was an experienced drone pilot but lacked the correct authorisation. (corkbeo.ie)
- otherHis actions were found to pose a potential security risk and a safety risk to concert attendees. (corkbeo.ie)
- otherThe IAA said the actions posed a security risk and a safety risk to people at the concert. (limerickpost.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 26 May2026Man convicted of flying drone over Snow Patrol concert has fines reduced on appeal
Reports the Limerick Circuit Criminal Court appeal outcome: the fines were reduced from €4,000 to €600, and no costs order was made. Adds the solicitor's account that the man believed he had permission, and the IAA's stated safety and security concerns.
convicted, Krzysztof Luszczki, male, namedKrzysztof Luszczki - 11 Dec2025Man found guilty of illegal and unsafe drone use at Snow Patrol concert
Reports the conviction and fine for the drone offence at the Snow Patrol concert.
convicted, Krzysztof Luszczki, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Krzysztof Luszczki