Pilot found at scene of medical evacuation with six kitchen knives 

Advocate tells court: 'It's a mystery'

A British Airways pilot will be sentenced in August after being found at the scene of a medical evacuation armed with six kitchen knives.

Ian Saunders, of Strathallan Crescent in Douglas, appeared at Douglas Courthouse today (20 June).

The 64-year-old admitted possessing a prohibited article in public on 30 April.

In the early hours of that morning emergency services were called to Douglas Promenade to facilitate a patient transfer.

Due to bad weather conditions the medical helicopter was unable to land in its usual location and a decision was taken, by the pilot flying it, to land in the vicinity of the beach instead.

It led police to close a section of the promenade, around the area of Summerhill, whilst the operation was completed.

Whilst this was ongoing a member of the public spotted Saunders standing on a nearby pavement holding a knife in his right hand – they alerted officers who asked him to drop it.

Saunders refused telling them: ‘Calm down, what’s happening?’ – the court heard he wasn’t violent but due to his non-compliance a taser-trained officer was called to the scene.

When they arrived Saunders did drop the knife but further checks showed he was holding five others in his left hand – all exceeded three inches in length.

He was arrested and, in interview, provided a prepared statement in which he claimed he’d heard the helicopter and, due to his knowledge and experience of aircraft, believed it to be military.

That, Saunders said, had caused him to fear for the safety of his family and led to his decision to pick up the knives, leave the property and walk towards the scene.

"It just seems rather bizarre behaviour in the circumstances," the prosecutor told the court adding there was no indication of alcohol intake or any mental health complaint.

Saunders' advocate agreed that it was ‘bizarre’ adding there was ‘no real explanation for his pattern of thinking at the time’.

"He has totally misread the situation," he added: "Something has clearly gone on but what that something is we’ll never know – it’s a mystery."

A social enquiry report has been requested before Saunders is sentenced on 1 August; he’s been bailed until that date.