RR Phantom
Location : Wasted Space
Job/hobbies : Cayman Islands Actuary
 |  Subject: OZschwitz: Police chopper zapped with laser  Wed Jun 18, 2008 7:40 pm | |
| Police have charged a man after a laser attack on a police helicopter in Sydney's north-west last night.
The charges were laid as new laws banning laser pointers from public places without a reasonable explanation were passed through State Parliament last night.
The helicopter was about 500 metres in the air over Bella Vista about 6pm when the crew were allegedly targeted with a green laser beam.
The alleged attack "distracted and disoriented" the crew, but none were injured, police said.
The crew figured out the source of the laser beam, which was from the yard of a house in Eastbourne Way, Bella Vista.
After landing the helicopter nearby, they contacted local police who arrested a 19-year-old man and seized a green laser device.
The man was charged with interfering with a crew member while in an aircraft.
He was given bail and will face Hornsby Local Court on July 22.
A spokesman for Castle Hill police said the helicopter was on a training flight, but could not say how many crew members there were. Police would not elaborate further.
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What does a laser beam look like when it is shone on pilots?
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Last night, new laws on the possession and use of lasers passed through State Parliament.
"I've said for a long time now that I just can't believe the stupidity of those people who want to shine lasers in the eyes of pilots and drivers," Police Minister David Campbell said.
"It is gutless and cowardly and could result in the most dire of consequences."
However, the new laws did not apply to last night's incident, as the legislation still had to be gazetted and would not be effective for a few weeks, a spokesman for Mr Campbell said.
Under the new laws, laser pointers of all strengths will be banned from public places without a reasonable explanation. The penalty for this offence could be up to two years' jail.
Possession of class three and class four laser pointers - or high-powered lasers above one milliwatt - would be illegal without a prohibited weapons permit, with the maximum penalty 14 years' jail.
Mr Campbell said: "This is not about penalising those people who use lasers in their working life or as a part of a recreational activity.
"This is about punishing those who use lasers in an improper and dangerous manner.
"Astronomy groups and other legitimate users of lasers will be able to carry on as normal by accessing a permit free of charge.
"It is important to note that those who do the right thing have nothing to worry about as part of these new laws," Mr Campbell said.
Police ask anyone who see lasers being shone at aircraft or vehicles to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
LNK
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