Wulguru man Isaiah James Graham sentenced in Townsville court for using laser pointer at PolAir

A young man forced PolAir to halt operations, almost blinding a pilot as he used a laser pointer at the helicopter over Townsville.

New specially trained Tactical Flight Officers (TFOs) have taken to the skies as part of PolAir’s expansion in Townsville. Picture: QPS

Police duties were halted when a teen used a laser pointer towards the Queensland Police helicopter, almost blinding the pilot.

Isaiah James Graham appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court on Tuesday after police found him in possession of the restricted item that had forced police to pause operations that same night.

Police prosecutor Danny Burke said on December 1 at 7:30pm last year, PolAir was flying above Townsville performing police duties when the crew noticed it was being struck by a green laser.

“As a result of the laser strike, the pilot was forced to take evasive action to avoid being blinded by the laser which included rapidly changing the aircraft’s direction,” Mr Burke said.

“The laser strike interfered with the pilot and crew’s operation of the aircraft.”

Isaiah James Graham, 18, sentenced in Townsville Magistrates Court on January 14, 2025 after being charged with threatening the safety of an aircraft.

He said police were able to liaise with authorities on ground to determine the source of the laser pointer which took them to an address in Wulguru.

“At first he denied any knowledge, however police did find the dismantled laser, he said he had just found it,” the prosecutor told the court.

“What’s concerning here is he’s placed those officer’s at risk by what he’s done by pointing it at the officers who were conducting patrols of the Townsville region.”

Defence lawyer Jessika Hockings from Legal Aid Queensland said the young man who had no criminal history was working as a brick layer and assisted his family with taking care of his younger siblings.

Magistrate Cathy Mclennan labelled the offence as a “stupid decision”.

“You can do better, it’s important not to do this again,” she said.

“As you heard it could have had quite serious consequences.”

Graham pleaded guilty to threatening the safety of a person on an aircraft and possessing a restricted item.

He was given two good behaviour bonds, the first being of $400 for 12 months and the second being of $200 for 12 months.

No convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Wulguru man Isaiah James Graham sentenced in Townsville court for using laser pointer at PolAir