Christopher Osbourne fined for shining laser at police helicopter

A man who shone a laser at a police helicopter in Whittington has copped a fine for his actions.

Laser pointer.

A Whittington man who shone a laser at a police helicopter has been fined for his actions.

Christopher Osbourne, 34, pleaded guilty in the Geelong Magistrates Court on Wednesday to interfering with a crew member in an aircraft.

Osbourne was out the front of his home in Whittington with a laser pointer in his hand about 2am on August 25 last year.

Police prosecutor Sarah Gregory said a police helicopter was patrolling the Whittington area at the same time and observed Osbourne outside.

The court heard Osbourne used the green laser pointer to shine a beam at the helicopter, the light entering the cabin area.

Ms Gregory said bright laser lights have potential to impact a pilot and crew’s night vision and disorientate them.

“The laser light in some cases can damage night-vision equipment relied upon by flight crew,” Ms Gregory said.

Osbourne pointed the laser at the police helicopter for about 10 seconds.

About half-an-hour later, police members went to Osbourne’s address to caution him about his offending.

Osbourne’s lawyer said the offending was “clearly dangerous” and people did not realise the serious effect a laser can have on an aircraft.

The court heard Osbourne had purchased the laser for the purpose of using it for his cats and dogs.

Ms Gregory said the maximum penalty for the charge was two years jail as it had the potential to bring down a police helicopter.

Magistrate Ann McGarvie said shining a laser at an aircraft was a “very serious offence”.

“We’re not allowed to have those types of weapons because they can be used to harm people’s eyes and are so dangerous if you are shining at a helicopter or a plane,” Ms McGarvie said.

Ms McGarvie convicted and fined Osbourne $2500 for the offence.

Originally published as Christopher Osbourne fined for shining laser at police helicopter