Australia: Student faces possible life imprisonment
Irfan Bozan, a student from Turkey, pointed the laser at aircraft and passing cars.
From ABC (Australian Broadcasting Company) News.
Update #2: In February 2010, Bozan was given a 14-month suspended sentence and faced a possible loss of his Australian visa. He had already spent nine weeks in Australian prison after his arrest. The judge noted Bozan’s Turkish Army experience with lasers and said, "You knew of their ability to travel long distances, aiming at specific targets. The consequences could have been disastrous. Your offending is serious and should be considered in the context of the potential large scale harm that you could have easily caused." Update #2 information from Adelaide Now
Update #1: At an August 19 2009 court hearing, Bozan told the court that when he was a soldier in Turkey, he was trained in the use of lasers on weapons. He said the lasers he used during his compulsory 15-month term with the Turkish army were much more powerful.
Last week, he allegedly shone a hand-held pen laser at pedestrians, cars and a Qantas plane which was flying at 7000ft on approach to Adelaide Airport.
John Mattner, for Bozan, told the court his client believed the laser was a toy and "did not believe the laser pointer would actually reach 7000ft. [See this webpage for more information on how far laser pointers of various powers can reach.] A laser pointer was used but it was not done to intentionally harm or interfere with anyone," Mr Mattner said. "It is conceded that its use could be seen as reckless."
Update #1 information from Adelaide Now.