Helicopter rescue pilot is demoted

Published on 25/06/2012 03:33

A SEARCH and rescue helicopter pilot who has been responsible for saving hundreds of lives over two decades has been demoted after stopping at a butchers to pick up meat while on duty.

There was a local outcry when Paul Bentley and Steve Gladstone were suspended by CHC Helicopters earlier this year when a mobile phone video of an unofficial stop at a butchers on Orkney became a YouTube hit.

Despite a local campaign in their support, Bentley has now been demoted from captain to co-pilot. Contract worker Gladstone has also been told that he will not fly with the company for a year.

Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael said it was a “disproportionate and heavy-handed” move by the company.