A PILOT accused of flying low over a neighbours garden during an open day has been cleared.
Magistrates in Sherborne, Dorset found Martin Perrett, 49, of Buckland Newton, Dorset not guilty in a case brought by the CAA Enforcement Branch. Mr Perrett denied breaking Rule 5 which specifies no flying within 500ft of a person or structure.

Mr Perrett's neighbours, William Gueterbock, 75, and his wife, Jeanette, had opened their gardens to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme. They alleged that Mr Perrett made three low passes over the garden in his Enstrom helicopter.

National newspapers made much of the fact that Mr Gueterbock is a former second-in-command of HMS Ark Royal, and that he had about 40 adults and children in his garden when the incident is alleged to have happened on 3 April, 2005.

The court was told children cried and adults had to duck as the helicopter hovered at about 100ft. Capt Gueterbock reported the incident and provided photos of the helicopter to the CAA.
The magistrates said they could not be sure of the path of the helicopter, and that they had not found beyond all reasonable doubt that Mr Perrett committed the offence.
It was reported that Mr Perrett and his neighbours were involved in a planning dispute.