Saltley teen admits dazzling police helicopter pilot with laser
As a result of his night vision being reduced he immediately took action, turning the nose of the aircraft away from the light source.
In a statement, Captain Clarkson said if he had been struck directly in the eyes by the laser beam it could have left him temporarily blinded which could have caused him to lose control of the helicopter and crash.
He managed to keep the helicopter’s cameras on the defendant and directed police on the ground to his whereabouts. He was arrested after trying to hide in some undergrowth.
The incident was captured on a police camera and the footage was shown to the magistrates as the teenager sat in court with his head bowed.
On the video, the pilot can be heard saying “I think we have been pinpointed by a laser” before adding: “They are out of the vehicle with this laser pointed straight at us.”
Aftab Zahoor, defending, said the teenager, who was at college and wanted to become a fitness instructor, had carried out an act of “complete stupidity”.
He said he had not foreseen the consequences of his actions and that he had panicked when he realised the police had spotted him.
Mr Zahoor added the defendant had been with someone else at the time who had also been responsible for shining the laser.
Acting Sgt Alan Meredith, of the force’s Operations Aviation Unit, said: “Although this type of offence is relatively rare it is one we take extremely seriously.
“The risks to aircraft and the public of a pilot being temporarily blinded are obvious and West Midlands Police will actively pursue anyone who attempts to do so.”
