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A gliding instructor faked a pilot’s licence and illegally flew planes for six years, a court has heard.

Wesley Tierney, 25, jetted pals around in light aircraft and once risked the lives of two children aged four and six.

He even signed off learner pilots’ qualifications and helped planes take off and land, the court heard.

Recorder Sandip Kainth told Tierney today: “You put lives at risk. There was no insurance and no comeback for those who flew with you.

“I can’t imagine if there were an accident the repercussion for the families.”

Tierney became an airfield operations officer at North Weald Airfield, Essex, in 2010 after forging his qualifications. He assisted planes at the airfield, 15 miles from Stansted Airport .

He also claimed to be a flying instructor, resulting in a number of unsuspecting pilots temporarily taking off illegally.

Cambridge crown court heard Tierney gained an understanding of flying and operating planes by becoming a qualified glider and instructor.

When colleagues grew suspicious, Tierney revealed he had been unable to afford to get a pilot’s licence.

He pleaded guilty to acting as flight crew and forgery of documents, and said: “The only relief was when I found out I didn’t have to continue this lie.

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“It’s a lie I told when I was very young. I’ve realised a good job isn’t just one you can brag about.”

Alison Slater, for the Civil Aviation Authority, said: “This is less about competency and more about trust. There was sufficient risk of harm.”

Sentencing Tierney to eight months’ jail suspended for 14 months, Mr Kainth told him: “Had you not pleaded guilty I would not have thought twice about sending you to prison.

(Image: SWNS)

Tierney, of Letchworth, Herts, must also pay £750 in costs and do 140 hours’ unpaid work.