Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 9417Unauthorised operation of a drone · Co. Limerick

Drone operator's fines reduced on appeal in Limerick court

Krzysztof Luszczki, a man from Moineir, Clonmacken, Limerick, was prosecuted by the Irish Aviation Authority over a drone flown over a Snow Patrol concert at Thomond Park, Limerick, in July 2024. He pleaded guilty to one charge and was found guilty after trial of two others, and at Limerick District Court in December 2025 he was fined €4,000 with a contribution towards €1,000 costs. On appeal at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, reported on 26 May 2026, Judge Colin Daly reduced the fines to €600 and made no costs order. The latest development is that reduction on appeal.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced26 May
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Krzysztof Luszczki was convicted of flying a drone over a Snow Patrol concert without permission.
Where
The drone was flown over Thomond Park, Limerick, during the concert, and the article also places it within a no-fly zone around Limerick Prison.
When
The drone operation took place during a Snow Patrol concert in July 2024.
Cause
His solicitor said he believed he had permission and was using the drone for practice flights.
Investigation
A garda inspector discovered him operating the drone illegally.
Charges
  • He pleaded guilty to operating a drone more than 120m above ground within a prohibited area without authorisation.
  • After trial he was found guilty of operating a drone beyond visual line-of-sight and at an unsafe distance from assemblies of people without authorisation.
In court
  • The Irish Aviation Authority prosecuted the case, which was heard 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
  • He was convicted, fined €4,000 and ordered to pay a contribution towards €1,000 costs.
  • On appeal, the fines were reduced from €4,000 to €600.
  • No costs order was made on appeal.
Other details
  • The article describes him as a licensed drone operator.
  • The Irish Aviation Authority said the actions posed a security risk and a safety risk to people at the concert.
13 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 drone was flown over Thomond Park, Limerick, during a Snow Patrol concert. (limerickpost.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)
  • investigationA garda inspector discovered him operating the drone illegally. (limerickpost.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 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)
  • 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 IAA said the actions posed a security risk and a safety risk to people at the concert. (limerickpost.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 26 May2026
    Sentencedlimerickpost.ie, first report
    Man 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