Watford Observer 11 Oct 2010
South Oxhey man jailed for airline laser attack at Luton Airport
A South Oxhey roofer who used a powerful laser pen to temporarily blind the pilots of a crowded passenger jet has been jailed.
Christian Webb, 25, targeted the Ryan Air Boeing 737 after it landed at Luton Airport on the evening on August 9 this year and taxied to its stand.
Luton Crown Court heard on Friday how both pilots were forced to duck when the intense green light hit them. They were left “dazzled” by the attack and were temporarily unable to see clearly when the aircraft was still moving.
Police were alerted when Webb, of Gleneagles Close, turned the light on staff working in the nearby air traffic control tower.
Officers confronted Webb as he sat in his van in a nearby car park, where was waiting to collect his father from the very same aircraft.
Beverley Cripps, prosecuting, explained how Webb, when confronted, handed over a small red laser pointer to police.
But when the vehicle was searched a larger laser pen was discovered which emitted a powerful green beam of light.
Webb pleaded guilty to recklessly and negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft and its passengers.
Defence counsel Furrukh Usmani argued that his client had acted out of “naivety and stupidity” and was "completely oblivious" to the danger he was causing.
He added that Webb was now feeling "remorseful" for his actions that night and for the worry he had caused his family.
Judge Richard Foster, however, said his actions had been “thoroughly stupid and dangerous.”
He said it was only good fortune that an accident hadn't occurred, adding: “This sort of behaviour in and around airports is not acceptable.”
Webb who is planning to marry his girlfriend next year was jailed for four months.
As he was led away to begin his sentence furious members of his family shouted from the public gallery "It's a waste of tax payers’ money." and "There was no disturbance whatsoever on the plane."
South Oxhey man jailed for airline laser attack at Luton Airport (From Watford Observer)