Another one locked up!
From Thurrock Gazette - 31st July 2009:
A CHADWELL St Mary man who endangered the lives of police officers operating a helicopter has been jailed.
On April 25 last year Michael May, 53, of Ruskin Road, repeatedly shone a laser pen directly into the cockpit of an Essex Police Helicopter while it was in pursuit of a suspect in Chadwell St Mary.
May was sentenced to six months at Southend Crown Court on Friday.
He had admitted the offence at a previous hearing at Basildon Crown Court in January, but insisted that while he was in possession of a laser, he didn’t intentionally target the helicopter.
Prosecuting lawyer, Ian Elkins said: “Not only did May act in a reckless manner with potentially fatal consequences, endangering the aircraft and the officers in it, but he also prevented the officers from doing their job.
“However, the helicopter was able to locate the origin of the laser beam and this eventually led officers to May’s door.
“We were able to provide the court with the evidence to prove that he repeatedly targeted the helicopter with no regards for the possible consequences.
He added: “The sentence today highlights the dangers involved in the use of laser beams, especially involving aircraft, and we hope this will act as a deterrent to others.
“In this case, May risked the lives of the officers and other members of the public as he could have caused an air accident. He also distracted the officers and a potentially dangerous offender could have evaded justice.”
Written in nice short sentences for the locals to understand!