Man on trial for airport break-ins denies charges

The trial of a man accused of breaking into Guernsey Airport and indecently exposing himself has heard how he claimed "he was doing this for his mother".

Russell Payne, 52, pleaded not guilty to two counts of entering a restricted airport area. He also denies counts of indecent behaviour, resisting police, assaulting an emergency worker and indecent exposure.

Crown advocate Fiona Russell told Guernsey Magistrate's Court on Thursday how CCTV showed Payne on the airfield on 11 October and again the following day.

In evidence, watch commander Andrew Edwards said when he asked Payne why he was there, he replied he was "doing this for his mother". Payne told the court he disputed the events.

CCTV shown to the court showed Payne walking across the airport at around 04:55 on 11 October. The court head Payne was then taken to the terminal building by airport security staff to be arrested by police.

Body-worn camera footage from one of the arresting officers showed Payne being told he could face a fine for breaking into the airfield.

Judge Marc Davies was shown separate mobile-phone footage from the next day, 12 October, which showed Payne climbing a fence next to the airport, dressed only in a blue short sleeved shirt.

During cross-examination of witnesses, Payne challenged whether there were any signs stating trespassing was prohibited on the part of the airport he allegedly entered.

He also disputed whether some CCTV evidence was missing from the compilation which was shown to the court.

Under questioning airport firefighter Edwards told the court he escorted Payne across most of the airfield telling him he needed to stop.

Edwards told the court Payne started to climb the airport fence which was topped with barbed wire.

He said in an effort to stop Payne, who was wearing no trousers or underpants from hurting himself, another officer, Jason Batiste, pulled Payne's shirt to stop him from scaling the fence.

Edwards alleged Payne was agitated, uncooperative and repeatedly walked away. He told the court Payne was holding a gold bracelet and rubbing it with his fingers. Payne confirmed to the court he had a bracelet and said he was also carrying four gold rings.

Payne requested water, received it, then threw it at firefighter Batiste as he became more aggressive, Edwards told the court. Batiste is the officer Payne is accused of assaulting.

Payne's trial has been repeatedly adjourned since October 2025 while he he has been remanded in custody.

The court heard during the alleged incidents in October last year Guernsey Airport was closed due to safety concerns.

Following the closure, airport security staff said the entire airfield had to be swept, including planes that were sat on the apron.

The trial continues.

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