'Evil' paraglider flying low over Sussex seafront and shouting abuse at people, police say
'His language foul and obscene,' says victim
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Police are hunting a rogue paraglider who “intimidates people” by flying low over a Sussex seafront and shouting abuse.
Officers in Bexhill-on-Sea have received more than a dozen complaints about the man’s airborne antisocial behaviour in the past two years.
The “aggressive” paraglider launches from Galley Hill, which overlooks the town’s beach. He is also accused of causing criminal damage and obstructing roads.
Sussex Police and the Civil Aviation Authority have launched a joint investigation into the man’s behaviour.
A police spokesman said: “Over the past two years Sussex Police has received reports of the paraglider causing criminal damage, obstructing the highway, being abusive and hostile towards members of the public and generally behaving in an antisocial manner.
“It has also been alleged he intimidates people by flying low over the seafront.”
Drivers who park their cars on Galley Hill are said to be prime targets for the paraglider’s rage.
Some of his victims said they now avoided the hill to keep clear of him.
“He is evil,” said Richard Porter. “His language foul and obscene. We fell foul of him on more than one occasion. My wife will no longer go up there in case he is there.”
Samantha Small added: “He flies really low, he’s a social nuisance.”
Sergeant Simon Barden, of the force’s Hastings and Rother police prevention team, appealed for further witnesses to come forward.
“We’d like to hear from anyone who has seen or experienced aggressive or disturbing approaches from this man,” he added.
Local councillor Ian Hollidge told The Independent: “People come here to enjoy a quiet retirement coastal area and they want it as such. They don’t want, particularly, people hang-gliding.
“We’ve got enough seagulls around here without humans doing it as well.”
Rother District Council said it has had “numerous interactions” with the paraglider in the past few years.
A spokesman added: “Most recently we received a complaint in July from a member of the public who felt endangered when he was taking off from Galley Hill.
“Our staff have also witnessed him flying low along the seafront in Bexhill. Coastal staff have been advised not to approach him but to collect evidence and report any incidents to the police.
“There is a bylaw restricting taking off and landing along the area of the seashore and we’re currently collecting evidence of any contraventions and we will liaise with the police to support their investigation.”