3 teenagers charged over laser incident

14th February 2012, 13:21

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Police in Bristol have charged three teenagers after an incident involving the force helicopter.

Daniel Evans, aged 18 years from Bristol, Mitchell Saint from Hartcliffe and Daniel Nurse of Bristol (both aged 19 years), are to appear at Bristol Magistrates Court on March 19.

They have been charged with directing/shining a light at an aircraft in flight, so as to dazzle or distract the pilot.

It follows an incident shortly after midnight on Tuesday February 14th when a laser light was shone at the helicopterl. Shortly after police officers arrested the three youths from a property in Cherrytree Road in the Hillfields area of the city.

Chief Superintendent Lawrie Lewis, Avon and Somerset Police's Head of Operations, said:

"Anyone who shines a laser at an aircraft performs a dangerous and reckless act. These people have no consideration for the safety of the aircraft or its crew. When a laser is directed at any aircraft it puts life at risk and in the case of the police helicopter hinder the apprehension of offenders and delay the investigation of crime.
In 2010 there were 90 reported laser hits against aircraft and last year more than 100 incidents involving aircraft and vehicles. This is something we take seriously.
We have in the past seized laser pens from children aged between nine and 11-years-old, who had received them as a gift. This demonstrates the need for parents to be vigilant, be aware of what their children are doing and educate their children about the dangers of lasers if they are misused.
Those who use the pens, who are older, need to know that they face arrest and possible prosecution if they are caught."

Offenders can be arrested under the Air Navigation Order 2009 which creates the offence of using a light in such a way that it will dazzle or distract the pilot. This order says a person must not in the UK direct or shine any light at any aircraft in flight so as to dazzle or distract the pilot of that aircraft. There is a maximum fine of £2500 or a five-year jail sentence.