Yes it is illegal. (ref. Wireless telegraphy act). Some may know of my involvement in the incident concerned - If you do not, then rest assured I have a better knowledge than any other person of the ACTUAL happenings. I am deeply sorry for the family of the deceased, and knowing of the nature of the person who made the "eye-witness" account , though I belive that the press will publish anything sensational, I am appalled at the way that such an unsubstantiated report should be splashed across a "newspaper" for all - including relatives to see. May the authorities recognise this person for what they are and prosecute for illegal use of a scanner.