Menu
26/06/2008
'Laser Lout' Jailed For Reckless Behaviour
A 21-year old from Stockport has been sentenced to four months in jail for pointing a laser pen at a police helicopter.
The laser "temporarily blinded" the pilot who was flying a Greater Manchester Police force helicopter.
Dean Steven Bottomley, of Larwood Avenue, Heaton Norris, earlier pleaded guilty at Minshull Street Crown Court to endangering an aircraft.
It is understood Bottomly bought the green laser pen from on-line bidding sit Ebay for £30 on 16 April, 2008.
Police say that at 1.20am on 16 April, a helicopter was flying over Heaton Norris in response to an incident.
It is reported that a bright green laser light was shone from the back bedroom window of a semi-detached house below.
It is reported that Captain Westwood had to make "dangerous manoeuvres" to try to position the craft out of the direction of the laser beam.
Capt Westwood told the court that he was "suddenly dazzled by, a very intense green laser light, that filled the cockpit of the aircraft".
The aircrew managed to keep control of the helicopter and also managed to pinpoint the house and called for back-up from a police unit based on the ground.
Bottomly was subsequently arrested after officers visited his home.
He admitted shining the pen out of his bedroom window and brought the device to show the officer.
Superintendent John O'Hare, Head of Greater Manchester Police said: "What Bottomley did that night almost defies belief.
"Once the beam came into contact with the helicopter the beam lit up the cockpit, meaning the aircrew were momentarily unable to see the dials.
"This could clearly have had disastrous consequences for the helicopter and its crew.
"Thankfully, the pilot's quick thinking and impressive command of the aircraft ensured he managed to retain control.
"In different circumstances this incident could have resulted in a serious injury or even death. People might think that this is some sort of amusing prank, but I can assure you that it could have had deadly consequences.
Defence lawyer, Caroline Patrick said that Bottomley admitted it was a "stupid thing to do" but he was an "immature young man with significant deficits in his thinking".
Supt O'Hare added: "The seriousness of the incident is reflected in the specific offence that he was charged with. This offence was created for exactly this kind of incident."
Presiding over the case, Judge Mushtaz Kokhar, told Bottomley: "You were reckless. There was a risk of catastrophic consequencecs ensuing if the pilot lost control of his helicopter."
Judge Kokhar said there had to be "an element of deterrence" in the sentenced he passed.
See: Laser Pen Blinds 'Copter Cop
(DS)
The laser "temporarily blinded" the pilot who was flying a Greater Manchester Police force helicopter.
Dean Steven Bottomley, of Larwood Avenue, Heaton Norris, earlier pleaded guilty at Minshull Street Crown Court to endangering an aircraft.
It is understood Bottomly bought the green laser pen from on-line bidding sit Ebay for £30 on 16 April, 2008.
Police say that at 1.20am on 16 April, a helicopter was flying over Heaton Norris in response to an incident.
It is reported that a bright green laser light was shone from the back bedroom window of a semi-detached house below.
It is reported that Captain Westwood had to make "dangerous manoeuvres" to try to position the craft out of the direction of the laser beam.
Capt Westwood told the court that he was "suddenly dazzled by, a very intense green laser light, that filled the cockpit of the aircraft".
The aircrew managed to keep control of the helicopter and also managed to pinpoint the house and called for back-up from a police unit based on the ground.
Bottomly was subsequently arrested after officers visited his home.
He admitted shining the pen out of his bedroom window and brought the device to show the officer.
Superintendent John O'Hare, Head of Greater Manchester Police said: "What Bottomley did that night almost defies belief.
"Once the beam came into contact with the helicopter the beam lit up the cockpit, meaning the aircrew were momentarily unable to see the dials.
"This could clearly have had disastrous consequences for the helicopter and its crew.
"Thankfully, the pilot's quick thinking and impressive command of the aircraft ensured he managed to retain control.
"In different circumstances this incident could have resulted in a serious injury or even death. People might think that this is some sort of amusing prank, but I can assure you that it could have had deadly consequences.
Defence lawyer, Caroline Patrick said that Bottomley admitted it was a "stupid thing to do" but he was an "immature young man with significant deficits in his thinking".
Supt O'Hare added: "The seriousness of the incident is reflected in the specific offence that he was charged with. This offence was created for exactly this kind of incident."
Presiding over the case, Judge Mushtaz Kokhar, told Bottomley: "You were reckless. There was a risk of catastrophic consequencecs ensuing if the pilot lost control of his helicopter."
Judge Kokhar said there had to be "an element of deterrence" in the sentenced he passed.
See: Laser Pen Blinds 'Copter Cop
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 August 2008
Laser Pen Blinds Pilot
A teenager has been arrested after allegedly using a 'laser pen' light to 'blind' the pilot of a passenger jet. The plane, believed to be a KLM flight from Amsterdam, was coming in to land at about 10.
Laser Pen Blinds Pilot
A teenager has been arrested after allegedly using a 'laser pen' light to 'blind' the pilot of a passenger jet. The plane, believed to be a KLM flight from Amsterdam, was coming in to land at about 10.
07 August 2013
Man Arrested After Laser Shone At Police Helicopter
A 25-year-old man has been arrested in Birmingham on suspicion of endangering an aircraft after a laser was shone at a police helicopter. The helicopter was responding to a call at around 10.30pm on Tuesday, when someone in a car parked on Benmore Avenue, Edgbaston, shone a laser at it. Police tracked the vehicle and arrested a man from Nechells.
Man Arrested After Laser Shone At Police Helicopter
A 25-year-old man has been arrested in Birmingham on suspicion of endangering an aircraft after a laser was shone at a police helicopter. The helicopter was responding to a call at around 10.30pm on Tuesday, when someone in a car parked on Benmore Avenue, Edgbaston, shone a laser at it. Police tracked the vehicle and arrested a man from Nechells.
14 September 2004
Boots set to withdraw unprofitable services
Some Boots staff face an uncertain future today after the company announced that it is to close its laser eye correction, dentistry, chiropody and laser hair removal businesses. The announcement will impact on around 850 jobs, but the company has said that it aimed to re-deploy "as many people as possible".
Boots set to withdraw unprofitable services
Some Boots staff face an uncertain future today after the company announced that it is to close its laser eye correction, dentistry, chiropody and laser hair removal businesses. The announcement will impact on around 850 jobs, but the company has said that it aimed to re-deploy "as many people as possible".
28 October 2010
Mournes Crash Downs Police Helicopter
The UK's Air Accident Investigation Branch has been informed after four police officers were left injured today when a leased helicopter involved in investigating a fatal weekend crash in the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland overturned.
Mournes Crash Downs Police Helicopter
The UK's Air Accident Investigation Branch has been informed after four police officers were left injured today when a leased helicopter involved in investigating a fatal weekend crash in the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland overturned.
10 June 2010
Doctors 'Point Out' Laser Eye Dangers
This week's British Medical Journal (BMJ) is warning about the use of high-powered handheld laser pointers.
Doctors 'Point Out' Laser Eye Dangers
This week's British Medical Journal (BMJ) is warning about the use of high-powered handheld laser pointers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
