'Laser Lout' Jailed For Reckless Behaviour

A 21-year old from Stockport has been sentenced to four months in jail for pointing a laser pen at a police helicopter.

The laser "temporarily blinded" the pilot who was flying a Greater Manchester Police force helicopter.

Dean Steven Bottomley, of Larwood Avenue, Heaton Norris, earlier pleaded guilty at Minshull Street Crown Court to endangering an aircraft.

It is understood Bottomly bought the green laser pen from on-line bidding sit Ebay for £30 on 16 April, 2008.

Police say that at 1.20am on 16 April, a helicopter was flying over Heaton Norris in response to an incident.

It is reported that a bright green laser light was shone from the back bedroom window of a semi-detached house below.

It is reported that Captain Westwood had to make "dangerous manoeuvres" to try to position the craft out of the direction of the laser beam.

Capt Westwood told the court that he was "suddenly dazzled by, a very intense green laser light, that filled the cockpit of the aircraft".

The aircrew managed to keep control of the helicopter and also managed to pinpoint the house and called for back-up from a police unit based on the ground.

Bottomly was subsequently arrested after officers visited his home.

He admitted shining the pen out of his bedroom window and brought the device to show the officer.

Superintendent John O'Hare, Head of Greater Manchester Police said: "What Bottomley did that night almost defies belief.

"Once the beam came into contact with the helicopter the beam lit up the cockpit, meaning the aircrew were momentarily unable to see the dials.

"This could clearly have had disastrous consequences for the helicopter and its crew.

"Thankfully, the pilot's quick thinking and impressive command of the aircraft ensured he managed to retain control.

"In different circumstances this incident could have resulted in a serious injury or even death. People might think that this is some sort of amusing prank, but I can assure you that it could have had deadly consequences.

Defence lawyer, Caroline Patrick said that Bottomley admitted it was a "stupid thing to do" but he was an "immature young man with significant deficits in his thinking".

Supt O'Hare added: "The seriousness of the incident is reflected in the specific offence that he was charged with. This offence was created for exactly this kind of incident."

Presiding over the case, Judge Mushtaz Kokhar, told Bottomley: "You were reckless. There was a risk of catastrophic consequencecs ensuing if the pilot lost control of his helicopter."

Judge Kokhar said there had to be "an element of deterrence" in the sentenced he passed.

See: Laser Pen Blinds 'Copter Cop



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