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L@ser & searchlight attacks on aircraft (incl prison sentences on offenders)

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L@ser & searchlight attacks on aircraft (incl prison sentences on offenders)

Old 25th Jan 2011, 11:51
  #161 (permalink)  
 
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The sentences certainly look to me like they are escalating.

Yesterday in UK.... "sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work" see Cheshire Police helicopter captures laser pen menace - Chester Chronicle

last week in Florida..... Man faces 20 years in pointing laser at helicopter - Florida AP - MiamiHerald.com
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Old 25th Jan 2011, 21:06
  #162 (permalink)  
 
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helihub
The sentences certainly look to me like they are escalating.
That's how most countries are combating the serious problem of laser attacks, and so was the UK until last year. Straight to prison, not suspended, was the norm until the CAA introduced a new offence with a maximum penalty of a fine.

Court of Appeal September 2008
"In passing sentence the learned judge said the message should go out that people who target helicopters in this idiotic and dangerous way should expect to receive custodial sentences.
"Few cases of this sort come before the court, in part because it is often difficult to apprehend those on the ground. In our judgment the learned judge was right to make it clear that custodial sentences will usually follow when offenders committing this offence are caught."
So what did the UK CAA do?

CAA Press Release January 2010
"New powers to tackle aircraft l@ser crime introduced"
A new law that makes shining a light or l@ser at an aircraft a specific criminal offence has been introduced.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which initiated the new law, said it was in response to the growing number of incidents involving l@ser devices being shone at airliners and helicopters near British airports.
Previously, anyone caught shining a l@ser at an aircraft may have been charged with ‘recklessly endangering an aircraft’.
Offenders may now be charged with ‘shining a light at an aircraft in flight so as to dazzle the pilot’
Sounds good - except the maximum penalty for the new offence is a fine!

Thankfully, some CPS prosecutors are sensibly ignoring the new offence and still charging endangering. Maximum penalty = prison.

H.
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Old 7th Feb 2011, 22:08
  #163 (permalink)  
 
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I've just started flying a police helicopter and on my 2nd night on patrol we got lasered. We were able to use the camera close to the area this idiot was, but couldn't pin point the exact spot. It was disorientating when it hit the window. We will catch one of these buggers.
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Old 8th Feb 2011, 14:32
  #164 (permalink)  
 
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If you can, try not look at the laser let your crew do the pin pointing, saves your eyesight.

I found with the three I dealt with that it is down to the stupidity of the offender and the luck of having a panda available if you nail them.
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Old 9th Mar 2011, 22:27
  #165 (permalink)  
 
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Thumbs up

House moves to stop laser targeting of aircraft

(AP) – Feb 28, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) — People who knowingly aim laser pointers at aircraft would be committing a federal crime subject to up to five years in prison under legislation passed by both the House and the Senate.

The House on Monday approved by voice vote the Securing Cockpits Against Laser Pointers Act, a response to a growing number of incidents of pilots being distracted or even temporarily blinded by laser beams and concerns that terrorists might use lasers to bring down aircraft.

The Senate passed the same provision a month ago as an amendment to a Federal Aviation Administration spending bill. The two chambers must now agree on a common format to send it to President Barack Obama for his signature.

The FAA reports that the number of cases of people pointing laser at planes and helicopters jumped from 1,527 in 2009 to 2,836 in 2010. In some cases pilots have had to relinquish control of an aircraft to a co-pilot because of vision loss.

The House bill's sponsor, Republican Dan Lungren of California, said there were only 400 reported incidents in the 15-year period before 2005, when a similar bill passed the House. He said another major concern has been cases of airborne police units being forced to abort crime scene responses because of laser interference.

Law enforcement pilots "have to consider the possibility that they are being illuminated by a laser scope attached to a rifle," Lungren said. He said the shining of lasers at aircraft cockpit was "a tragedy waiting to happen."

In addition to temporarily incapacitating pilots, laser beams can cause eye damage.

The threat from handheld laser pointers has grown as they become more powerful and more affordable. Lasers that once cost more than $1,000 can now be bought online for a few hundred dollars or less. Incidents have been common near airports where pilots, either coming in for landing or taking off, need to be at their most alert.

"The risk associated with laser illuminations is unacceptable," said Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, International. He said "pointing lasers at aircraft in flight poses a serious safety risk to the traveling public" and urged the government, in addition to passing legislation, to restrict the sale of high-powered portable lasers and increase the size of laser-free zones around airports.

Federal law already allows charges to be brought against those seeking to destroy an aircraft, but the law requires the government to prove willful intent to endanger a pilot. That can be difficult in the case of laser pointers, where some users may have malicious intent but others may be laser enthusiasts who don't realize the harm that long-range laser beams can cause.

Current law also covers commercial flights, but may not extend to law enforcement helicopters that are particularly vulnerable because they fly at lower altitudes.
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Old 11th Mar 2011, 15:25
  #166 (permalink)  
 
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Another dumb a** caught by police:

Laser pen targets police helicopter - Manitoba - CBC News

A 26-year-old man was taken into custody after someone pointed a green laser pen at the Winnipeg police helicopter as it flew over the city on Thursday morning.
At about 12:10 a.m., officers in the AIR-1 chopper radioed in to say they were being targeted by someone in the 200 block of Toronto Street.
The 39-year-old female pilot was struck directly in the eyes by the laser light, which entered the helicopter through the lower pilot-side front window, according to police.
Officers quickly pinpointed the house where they believed the laser was used and made an arrest at 12:15 a.m.
"It's a very, very dangerous thing when individuals point lasers at anybody in an aircraft. Obviously, you can see the possible ramifications of it," Police Chief Keith McCaskill told CBC News.
The effects of this bright light being focused on the cockpit at night can startle and distract the flight crew, and cause vision problems ranging from a simple annoyance to temporary blindness, stated a news release from the police service.
Bright light sources subsequently affect the pilot's ability to safely operate the aircraft, and can lead to catastrophic circumstances.
"Whether it's somebody playing a joke or thinking it's a cool thing to do, it's really not. And we do take it very seriously," McCaskill said.
Sheldon Friesen told CBC News he had no idea the laser pointer he was "goofing around" with would obstruct the police helicopter.
He said he got off work Wednesday night and was playing with the 99-cent pointer he bought on eBay, pointing it up at the sky when he saw AIR-1.
He wanted to see how far the laser would go tested to see if it would reach the chopper.
Friesen said he was cooperative with police and explained his thinking when they showed up on his doorstep.
He has been released on a promise to appear in court and will be facing a number of charges. The exact nature of the charges are being considered through consultation with the Crown attorney's office, police said.
Directing a bright light source at an aircraft is an offence under section 7.41(1) of the Aeronautics Act of Canada, and Section 601.20 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
Penalties can range from fines of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
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Old 11th Mar 2011, 16:39
  #167 (permalink)  
 
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nice to see that a decent country deals with them properly. Unlike the UK who are scared to send people to prison. Just incase we breach their human rights
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Old 12th Mar 2011, 12:32
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They could also possibly charge under s. 430(2) of the Criminal Code: Mischief endangering life - with a maximum penalty of lifetime imprisonment. HOWEVER, if the guy doesn't have a criminal record I doubt very much that he'll get any jail time. Canadian courts are not like the American ones where he'd probably do some time in the hoosegow.

I just read in the Winnipeg SUN that the accused is facing a charge of assault with a weapon. Personally, I think this is incorrect reporting but let's wait and see.
Here's the link: Laser attack on ’copter | Winnipeg | News | Winnipeg Sun
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Old 17th Jul 2011, 11:46
  #169 (permalink)  
 
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BBC News - Essex Police warning on the danger of laser pens

Police are warning of the dangers of shining laser pens at aircraft after a number of cases near a town in Essex.

Three incidents occurred over Harlow on three consecutive nights earlier this week with pens being shone at planes coming into land at Stansted Airport.

Essex Police said the activity, which is a criminal offence, could have "extremely serious consequences".

PC Alan Hodgetts said: "Not only can it be a distraction for the pilots, it can potentially put aircraft in danger."

He explained the light can dissipate as it hits the cockpit which then "spreads in a great arc" and cause temporary blindness.

He asked anyone with information about the recent incidents to contact Essex Police.

He said: "What we're hoping for is to nip it in the bud now and we will be patrolling areas (where) we suspect this is occurring.

"What we want to do is catch somebody and make an example of them."
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Old 23rd Jul 2011, 23:33
  #170 (permalink)  
 
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I was surprised to find the London Heliport has a l@ser warning on its fence! Have they got a ceilometer tucked away somewhere?
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Old 24th Jul 2011, 00:17
  #171 (permalink)  
 
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Will they learn? Doubt it..

Laser pen teen locked up for helicopter stunt
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Old 24th Jul 2011, 07:54
  #172 (permalink)  

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I was surprised to find the London Heliport has a l@ser warning on its fence! Have they got a ceilometer tucked away somewhere?
Yes, they have. It's very well tucked away.
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Old 2nd Aug 2011, 18:02
  #173 (permalink)  
 
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BBC report of recent incident (original story):

Royal Navy Rescue Helicopter Targeted by Laser


A Royal Navy search and rescue helicopter has been targeted by a "powerful laser" while responding to an emergency call in North Ayrshire.

The laser was shone into the cockpit of the Sea King Mark 5 while it supported an operation to recover a woman from the water at Saltcoats on Monday night. The incident is said to have caused the crew "considerable distraction".

The Royal Navy described the targeting of the crew as "extremely reckless and irresponsible behaviour".

The aircraft, from HMS Gannet at Prestwick, was called to the rescue operation in Saltcoats at about 22:00. The crew were targeted while on standby to offer medical assistance as police and coastguard personnel recovered a woman from the water.

Lt Cdr Geoff Richardson, aircraft commander for the call out, said: "Potentially this was a very serious incident. Not only is it illegal to endanger aviation in this way, it is extremely reckless and irresponsible behaviour. This incident could have threatened the safety of the crew and aircraft. Had we been in the middle of a rescue, this person's actions could have jeopardised our ability to continue. This could have a disastrous effect on the person or persons requiring urgent help from the SAR and emergency services."

The Royal Navy said the incident had been reported to Strathclyde Police.
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Old 4th Aug 2011, 07:01
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Ali, who is now 20, pleaded guilty to endangering the safety of an aircraft and was jailed for six months.


Jailed for laser pen attack on helicopter

Queen's Park teenager caged after pointing laser beam at police helicopter


H.
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Old 4th Aug 2011, 11:48
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Usual quality from the Daily Express report above.

Picture of a RN Lynx to illustrate the met-police helicopter.
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Old 18th Aug 2011, 11:48
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OEAMTC of Austria reports that one of their EC135 (OE-XEC Christopherus 15) got lasered yesterday at around 21:00 local time when they approached the rooftop heliport of the hospital in Steyr, with an injured man on board.

The crew called the police via mobile phone and kept contact with them on the subsequent take off. When they circled the area of where they believed the lasers came from, they got lasered again and the police officers on the ground were able to arrest a 17 year old and a 19 year old on a bus station.

According to the OAMTC press release, they will press criminal charges for "endangering aviation safety with intent", which is anchored in Austria's criminal code.
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Old 23rd Aug 2011, 19:51
  #177 (permalink)  
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A fairly impressive warning to potential laser offenders in the West Midlands
Birmingham Evening Mail

A FORMER heroin addict who carried out a laser attack on a police helicopter flying above Birmingham has been jailed for 16 months.

Judge Paul Tomlinson told Joshua Bough: “It is obvious that you shone that light deliberately at the helicopter.

“It is obvious that you did it twice. The first time it was travelling at 100 knots.

“There was only one person in that aircraft capable of flying it and had he suffered eye damage the consequences could have been fatal, not just for those on board but also to others in their homes on the ground in what was plainly a built-up area.”

The judge said for the emergency services to be frustrated and put in danger was “intolerable”.

He added: “If we are to avoid the terrible consequences that will sooner or later follow if people behave as you did, the court will do what it can to protect the public and punish the offender.”

Bough, 28, of St Benedicks Road, Small Heath, had previously admitted a charge of recklessly endangering an aircraft. At an earlier hearing, pilot Trevor Tiller said he had been flying towards Birmingham Airport above Small Heath at about 10.25pm on March 28 this year when he saw the green light.

He said he had experienced five previous attacks and that the light could potentially damage the retina.

He said he immediately averted his eyes and warned two observers in the helicopter not to look at the beam.

Giving evidence, Bough claimed he had accidentally shone the beam into the air while trying to attract the attention of his dog.

But the judge rejected his account, saying he believed it had been a deliberate act.

Christopher Lester, prosecuting at Birmingham Crown Court, said cameras in the helicopter were able to track Bell, who was with his girlfriend, as they walked home.

Neil Davis, defending, said Bough had struggled throughout his life with an addiction to crack cocaine and heroin but had managed to wean himself off the drugs.

He said the contact between the helicopter and the torch was “a matter of seconds”.

Mr Davis added that Bell had made no attempt to run away or get rid of the torch.
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Old 26th Aug 2011, 17:31
  #178 (permalink)  

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WOW ! Banged up for 16 months and after all the previous comments about the courts in the UK not doing anything, no-one has commented for 3 days!

What a fickle lot we are!
Always complaining when community service is given and when we get a decent result, nada!


He (Neil Davis, defending) said the contact between the helicopter and the torch was “a matter of seconds”.
Wouldn't it be nice to think that in court that comment was met with a reply of, "Isn't that the same as a machine gun, where it only takes one bullet to kill!"
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Old 26th Aug 2011, 18:08
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Does anyone know who took the case: was it the CAA or via the cops?

I got the impression that since the latest "advance" where the more specific laser offence was created most cases were taken under that rather than "reckless endangerment".
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Old 26th Aug 2011, 18:11
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after all the previous comments about the courts in the UK not doing anything
Note that the CPS very wisely chose not to utilise the new laser offence (max penalty a fine) and prosecuted the defendant for 'Endangering'. That gave the court power to impose a prison sentence.


FL
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