L@ser & searchlight attacks on aircraft (incl prison sentences on offenders)
Chief Bottle Washer
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FOUR PLANES landingin SYD targeted by lasers
Radio New Zealand : News : World : Four planes landing in Sydney targeted by lasers
The police in Sydney say four passenger planes were targeted by laser lights on Friday night while trying to land at Sydney Airport.
The first incident happened just after 8.30pm local time when a Boeing 767 was coming in, the ABC reports. The police say a green laser was pointed at the aircraft.
It happened again with three other planes on their approach about an hour later. All landed safely.
The beams are reported to have come from the Bankstown area, with one apparently coming from a reserve at Georges Hall.
However, a police patrol of the area shortly afterwards failed to find any trace of those involved.
A laser was also pointed at a passenger plane as it was trying to land at the airport on Wednesday night.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand
The first incident happened just after 8.30pm local time when a Boeing 767 was coming in, the ABC reports. The police say a green laser was pointed at the aircraft.
It happened again with three other planes on their approach about an hour later. All landed safely.
The beams are reported to have come from the Bankstown area, with one apparently coming from a reserve at Georges Hall.
However, a police patrol of the area shortly afterwards failed to find any trace of those involved.
A laser was also pointed at a passenger plane as it was trying to land at the airport on Wednesday night.
Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand
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I don't know what the law is like in Australia, but the relatively new UK offence of "shining a bright light" (as mentioned by Heliport in Jan #162), that was introduced by the CAA in 2010, has made it a lot easier to prosecute the pain-in-the-a*se, laser-pointing, idiots than the comprehensive rigmarole involved in proving "endangerment", an offence which still exists in the ANO. If there's enough evidence, courts will still prosecute for endangerment but, in most cases, that evidence is hard to come by - so at least there's something to fall back on.
That the best result is a fine is not really a problem, IMHO, as young or old Mr Dork now is shorter of cash and also has a criminal record - not being sexist, it's just that we haven't found any members of the fairer sex indulging in this hobby, yet! Most of these incidents are relatively short lived, although damned frustrating/annoying/dangerous and invariably take our mind off the job in hand for a short while. Time taken to prove & evidence endangerment is probably better spent on getting the rest of our job done. In any case, I'd rather see 10 (relatively easy to evidence) fines & criminal records, than one locked up for endangerment & wasting our tax-payers money in prison!
Obvioulsy, the best piece of kit to catch these idiots is a Police heli - we regularly get targetted & quickly get Officers on the ground to visit, advise &/or arrest, depending on circumstances. We've also had results as a report of reports from the airliners, when we've been in the area and have been able to take a quick, but careful, flyover!
If the Aussies haven't picked up on the lesser offence yet, it sounds as if some lobbying of the legislators might be worthwhile??
That the best result is a fine is not really a problem, IMHO, as young or old Mr Dork now is shorter of cash and also has a criminal record - not being sexist, it's just that we haven't found any members of the fairer sex indulging in this hobby, yet! Most of these incidents are relatively short lived, although damned frustrating/annoying/dangerous and invariably take our mind off the job in hand for a short while. Time taken to prove & evidence endangerment is probably better spent on getting the rest of our job done. In any case, I'd rather see 10 (relatively easy to evidence) fines & criminal records, than one locked up for endangerment & wasting our tax-payers money in prison!
Obvioulsy, the best piece of kit to catch these idiots is a Police heli - we regularly get targetted & quickly get Officers on the ground to visit, advise &/or arrest, depending on circumstances. We've also had results as a report of reports from the airliners, when we've been in the area and have been able to take a quick, but careful, flyover!
If the Aussies haven't picked up on the lesser offence yet, it sounds as if some lobbying of the legislators might be worthwhile??
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Location: Liverpool based Geordie, so calm down, calm down kidda!!
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'Super Laser' Pen on Sale
Reported today in the Mail, this is all we needNever mind pilots, this green laser is so powerful it can dazzle satellites - and it's freely on sale | Mail Online
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Lasers in different strength are available in the tourist markets of Asia and very popular (basically the same places that sell fake iPods etc). I had a couple of idiot friends getting all excited and standing around the the street stall with big eyes like kids in a candy store. They also asked for the ones below the counter and the guy indeed had some stronger ones. Made in China and cheap. The measurement for strength they use is (milli) ampere I believe. 
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zorab64
They have.
They call it 'prejudicing the safe operation of an aircraft'.
Here's one example - Aircraft laser pest sent to jail for two years and three months
If the Aussies haven't picked up on the lesser offence yet
They call it 'prejudicing the safe operation of an aircraft'.
Here's one example - Aircraft laser pest sent to jail for two years and three months
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Thanks Bronx, glad to hear that the authorities down-under have addressed the problem, but I did enjoy that article, especially the "he started it" and "what about his f*****g torch" banter with the judge! All in an indignant Aussie twang, it must have been a fun day in court!
It's nice to see that some descendants of the original deportees remain true to their genes - although, from the name, I suspect some cross-pollination has been going on!
It's nice to see that some descendants of the original deportees remain true to their genes - although, from the name, I suspect some cross-pollination has been going on!
Man Charged for Shining Laser, Victoria, Australia
Man charged for shining laser at police chopper - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
From ABC News site
R W
Police are angry after a man allegedly shone a laser at the police helicopter as it flew over Hampton Park, in Melbourne's south-east last weekend.
The crew used an infra-red device to identify and film the accused as he allegedly shone the laser at the chopper.
Police went to a house and charged a 21-year-old Cranbourne man with interfering with aircraft, reckless conduct endangering life and possessing a prohibited weapon.
The man could face a two-year jail sentence if he is convicted of the commonwealth offence of interfering with crew or an aircraft.
He will appear in court in November.
Police Air Wing Inspector Mark Stella says Melbourne has the highest number of incidents involving laser lights.
He says it is important that everyone understands the danger of pointing a laser at an aircraft.
"The ultimate consequences of this could be catastrophic and could result in the loss of many lives, both in aircraft and on the ground," he said.
"Victoria Police will take strong and immediate action to prosecute anyone who uses these lasers against any aircraft."
The crew used an infra-red device to identify and film the accused as he allegedly shone the laser at the chopper.
Police went to a house and charged a 21-year-old Cranbourne man with interfering with aircraft, reckless conduct endangering life and possessing a prohibited weapon.
The man could face a two-year jail sentence if he is convicted of the commonwealth offence of interfering with crew or an aircraft.
He will appear in court in November.
Police Air Wing Inspector Mark Stella says Melbourne has the highest number of incidents involving laser lights.
He says it is important that everyone understands the danger of pointing a laser at an aircraft.
"The ultimate consequences of this could be catastrophic and could result in the loss of many lives, both in aircraft and on the ground," he said.
"Victoria Police will take strong and immediate action to prosecute anyone who uses these lasers against any aircraft."
R W
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From the South Wales Argus
Good thing the CPS charged him with endangering.
If they'd used the new laser charge the maximum penalty would have been a fine.
Newport man shone laser at police helicopter (From South Wales Argus)
Newport man shone laser at police helicopter
A NEWPORT man is beginning a six month term behind bars for shining a laser at a police helicopter.
Ross McDonnell-Jones, 21, of Ringland Centre, appeared in Cardiff Crown Court having previously pleaded guilty to recklessly or negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft.
Prosecutor James Wilson said the police helicopter was flying at around 3,000 feet over Newport the in early hours of October 12 last year, when the pilot and two crew members on board saw a bright green laser being shone at the aircraft.
Mr Wilson said the pilot lost his night vision and had to tilt his head away from the light, causing him to lose sight of the instruments and putting the aircraft in momentary danger.
The court heard the incident lasted for around five minutes, but officers were able to identify the address the light was coming from.
Ground officers attended McDonnell-Jones’ address and found the laser pen hidden under the mattress of a baby’s cot in an upstairs bedroom.
During interview, McDonnell-Jones said he bought the laser pen the previous day and had been shining it outside the house, but did not see the helicopter.
McDonnell-Jones pleaded guilty on August 3 this year, the day his trial was due to start.
Leighton Hughes, defending, said McDonnell-Jones had no concept of the risk he was imposing to the aircraft. Mr Hughes said the defendant had no previous convictions, had a good work record and a young child with his fiancée. Mr Hughes said McDonnell-Jones previously had problems with cannabis, which had once led to him being hospitalised, and described his health as “delicate.” He said: “Notwithstanding this serious and extremely reckless behaviour from a year ago, ultimately Ross McDonnell-Jones is one of the good guys.”
Mr Recorder James Petts said previous cases in the Court of Appeal had upheld custodial sentences for similar offences, as the consequences of such offending could be “catastrophic,” and said he was unable to suspend any sentence.
McDonnell-Jones was sentenced to six months in a young offenders' institution.
A NEWPORT man is beginning a six month term behind bars for shining a laser at a police helicopter.
Ross McDonnell-Jones, 21, of Ringland Centre, appeared in Cardiff Crown Court having previously pleaded guilty to recklessly or negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft.
Prosecutor James Wilson said the police helicopter was flying at around 3,000 feet over Newport the in early hours of October 12 last year, when the pilot and two crew members on board saw a bright green laser being shone at the aircraft.
Mr Wilson said the pilot lost his night vision and had to tilt his head away from the light, causing him to lose sight of the instruments and putting the aircraft in momentary danger.
The court heard the incident lasted for around five minutes, but officers were able to identify the address the light was coming from.
Ground officers attended McDonnell-Jones’ address and found the laser pen hidden under the mattress of a baby’s cot in an upstairs bedroom.
During interview, McDonnell-Jones said he bought the laser pen the previous day and had been shining it outside the house, but did not see the helicopter.
McDonnell-Jones pleaded guilty on August 3 this year, the day his trial was due to start.
Leighton Hughes, defending, said McDonnell-Jones had no concept of the risk he was imposing to the aircraft. Mr Hughes said the defendant had no previous convictions, had a good work record and a young child with his fiancée. Mr Hughes said McDonnell-Jones previously had problems with cannabis, which had once led to him being hospitalised, and described his health as “delicate.” He said: “Notwithstanding this serious and extremely reckless behaviour from a year ago, ultimately Ross McDonnell-Jones is one of the good guys.”
Mr Recorder James Petts said previous cases in the Court of Appeal had upheld custodial sentences for similar offences, as the consequences of such offending could be “catastrophic,” and said he was unable to suspend any sentence.
McDonnell-Jones was sentenced to six months in a young offenders' institution.
Good thing the CPS charged him with endangering.
If they'd used the new laser charge the maximum penalty would have been a fine.
Newport man shone laser at police helicopter (From South Wales Argus)
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
This mornings case at Birmingham Youth Court, Offender found guilty.
Rehabilitation order 12 months, Supervision order 12 months, 36 hours at an Attendance Centre and £200 costs.
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Rehabilitation order 12 months, Supervision order 12 months, 36 hours at an Attendance Centre and £200 costs.
Youth Offending Community Punishment and Rehabilitation Order
This sentence is only available to courts for young people aged 16-17. It requires a young person to complete unpaid community work for a period of 40-240 hours. Examples of the type of activities involved are:
carpentry;
conservation;
decorating;
working with the elderly or vulnerable.
The sentence is supervised by the Probation Service Community Service Team.
This sentence is only available to courts for young people aged 16-17. It requires a young person to complete unpaid community work for a period of 40-240 hours. Examples of the type of activities involved are:
carpentry;
conservation;
decorating;
working with the elderly or vulnerable.
The sentence is supervised by the Probation Service Community Service Team.
Youth Offending Supervision Order
A Supervision Order can last up to three years. A range of conditions can be attached to a Supervision Order when the sentence is used for more serious offences. These are called 'specified activities' and can last for up to 90 days. Examples of 'specified activities' might be participation in an Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme (ISSP), drug treatment (for young people aged 16+), curfews or residence requirements which might require a young person to live in local authority accommodation for the period of the sentence
A Supervision Order can last up to three years. A range of conditions can be attached to a Supervision Order when the sentence is used for more serious offences. These are called 'specified activities' and can last for up to 90 days. Examples of 'specified activities' might be participation in an Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme (ISSP), drug treatment (for young people aged 16+), curfews or residence requirements which might require a young person to live in local authority accommodation for the period of the sentence
Attendance Centre Orders
An Attendance Centre Order sentences a young person to attend an attendance centre. The main purpose of attendance centres is to put a restriction on young offenders' leisure time - they are open on Saturdays for two or three hours. Their programmes concentrate on group work to give attendees basic skills - literacy and numeracy, life skills, cookery, first aid and money management, for example - as well as encouraging attendees to make better use of leisure time. The programme also includes victim awareness sessions, which consider the impact of offending on individuals and the community and how the young person might make amends; and sessions on drug and alcohol awareness, and sexual health matters. The order can last up to 36 hours depending on the age of the offender and the seriousness of the offence.
An Attendance Centre Order sentences a young person to attend an attendance centre. The main purpose of attendance centres is to put a restriction on young offenders' leisure time - they are open on Saturdays for two or three hours. Their programmes concentrate on group work to give attendees basic skills - literacy and numeracy, life skills, cookery, first aid and money management, for example - as well as encouraging attendees to make better use of leisure time. The programme also includes victim awareness sessions, which consider the impact of offending on individuals and the community and how the young person might make amends; and sessions on drug and alcohol awareness, and sexual health matters. The order can last up to 36 hours depending on the age of the offender and the seriousness of the offence.
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
Mike, that's outstanding.
2 minutes from the laser attack being called in, to cuffs on being led away
Good teamwork.
2 minutes from the laser attack being called in, to cuffs on being led away
Good teamwork.
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Examples of the type of activities involved are:
carpentry;
conservation;
decorating;
working with the elderly or vulnerable.
carpentry;
conservation;
decorating;
working with the elderly or vulnerable.
Sweeping the streets
Cleaning up dog turds
Removing graffiti
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
How about this oggers?
A-hahahhahahhahhahahahaha!
Laser targets Australian police chopper
Man charged after laser targets police chopper - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
From ABC News site
R W
Police have charged a man who allegedly pointed a laser at a police helicopter in Sydney's north-west last night.
The helicopter was patrolling around North Rocks shortly after 10:00pm (AEST) when a green laser was pointed at it five times in seven minutes.
Police say the helicopter's crew were able to pinpoint the laser at a house on Northbridge Avenue at Glenwood.
A 20-year-old man was arrested at the address and taken to Quakers Hill Police Station.
He was charged with possessing and using a prohibited weapon and acting to threaten the safety of an aircraft.
The man was released on bail to face court next month.
The helicopter was patrolling around North Rocks shortly after 10:00pm (AEST) when a green laser was pointed at it five times in seven minutes.
Police say the helicopter's crew were able to pinpoint the laser at a house on Northbridge Avenue at Glenwood.
A 20-year-old man was arrested at the address and taken to Quakers Hill Police Station.
He was charged with possessing and using a prohibited weapon and acting to threaten the safety of an aircraft.
The man was released on bail to face court next month.
R W
Pleads Guilty to possessing a prohibited weapon without a permit
Damian Gee accused of pointing a high-powered laser at a NSW police helicopter
A GLENWOOD man endangered the lives of police officers when he pointed a high-powered laser at their helicopter, a court has been told.
Damian Gee, 20, appeared in Blacktown Local Court today after police tracked the laser beam to his backyard on Northbridge Ave.
Its alleged he pointed the laser at the aircraft five times over seven minutes on September 29.
The police charge sheet said Gee "pointed the high-powered laser at PolAir 2 threatening the safety of pilot Mark McNichol and two crew."
Quakers Hill Highway Patrol officers arrested Gee about 25 minutes later.
Yesterday, Gee pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited weapon without a permit.
Registrar Garry Northcote adjourned the matter until tomorrow, when Gee said he would enter a plea to the second charge of threatening the safety of an aircraft.
Damian Gee, 20, appeared in Blacktown Local Court today after police tracked the laser beam to his backyard on Northbridge Ave.
Its alleged he pointed the laser at the aircraft five times over seven minutes on September 29.
The police charge sheet said Gee "pointed the high-powered laser at PolAir 2 threatening the safety of pilot Mark McNichol and two crew."
Quakers Hill Highway Patrol officers arrested Gee about 25 minutes later.
Yesterday, Gee pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited weapon without a permit.
Registrar Garry Northcote adjourned the matter until tomorrow, when Gee said he would enter a plea to the second charge of threatening the safety of an aircraft.
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Laser distraction
I don't beleive that any of us are concerned about the possible damage to our eyesight from these lasers (however their power is indetermminet from the ground) it is the temporary impairment to your vision and the distraction.
In New Zealand a person was succefully convicted in 2009 of causing danger to an aircraft as it was on finals to Wellington:
Wellington man endangered flight with laser beam | Otago Daily Times Online News : Otago, South Island, New Zealand & International News
As it has quiet rightly been commented on by others having this occur whilst you are on a heavy work load situation such as : sling loading could cause tremendous problems. High value convictions by the Police are a definat way forward.
In New Zealand a person was succefully convicted in 2009 of causing danger to an aircraft as it was on finals to Wellington:
Wellington man endangered flight with laser beam | Otago Daily Times Online News : Otago, South Island, New Zealand & International News
As it has quiet rightly been commented on by others having this occur whilst you are on a heavy work load situation such as : sling loading could cause tremendous problems. High value convictions by the Police are a definat way forward.