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US: 51 months for Texas man for aiming at police helicopter
Justin John Shorey, 39
Schertz, Texas, US
On February 17 2019, Shorey knowingly aimed the beam of a laser pointer three times at a San Antonio Police Department helicopter. The light affected the pilot's ability to read his gauges. While the pilot landed safely, he was unable to fly for a week; news reports said he saw spots.
On November 20, 2019 Shorey pleaded guilty to aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.
He was sentenced on November 9 2020 to 51 months — over four years — in federal prison. In addition, the judge imposed an additional three years supervision after Shorey's release.
Additional details here.
Schertz, Texas, US
On February 17 2019, Shorey knowingly aimed the beam of a laser pointer three times at a San Antonio Police Department helicopter. The light affected the pilot's ability to read his gauges. While the pilot landed safely, he was unable to fly for a week; news reports said he saw spots.
On November 20, 2019 Shorey pleaded guilty to aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.
He was sentenced on November 9 2020 to 51 months — over four years — in federal prison. In addition, the judge imposed an additional three years supervision after Shorey's release.
Additional details here.
Hong Kong: 100 hours of community service for aiming lasers at police
24 Jul 2020 -- Categories: Community service | Sex: Male
Kwok Fu-wah, 37
Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong
On January 1 2020, Kwok aimed laser beams at police vehicles and officers at a Hong Kong police station near his home.
The incident did not appear to be connected to protests against police which occurred in Hong Kong during 2019. Kwok Fu-wah was said to have aimed the lasers "out of impulse". The incident interfered with police duties but there were no injuries reported.
He was originally charged with possessing offensive weapons in a public place which is punishable by imprisonment. However, prosecutors allowed him to plead guilty to "a diminished charge of similar nature" resulting in a lesser sentence on July 23 2020 of 100 hours of community service. The principal magistrate noted Kwok had a good background and was sorry for his actions.
More on the case and the lasers involved here.
Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong
On January 1 2020, Kwok aimed laser beams at police vehicles and officers at a Hong Kong police station near his home.
The incident did not appear to be connected to protests against police which occurred in Hong Kong during 2019. Kwok Fu-wah was said to have aimed the lasers "out of impulse". The incident interfered with police duties but there were no injuries reported.
He was originally charged with possessing offensive weapons in a public place which is punishable by imprisonment. However, prosecutors allowed him to plead guilty to "a diminished charge of similar nature" resulting in a lesser sentence on July 23 2020 of 100 hours of community service. The principal magistrate noted Kwok had a good background and was sorry for his actions.
More on the case and the lasers involved here.
UK: Suspended sentence, rehab for 55-year-old who aimed a laser pen at a helicopter after it interrupted his audiobook
Stephen Reid, 55
Kentish Town, northwest London, UK
On July 18 2019 Reid aimed a blue laser pen at a police helicopter that was searching for an individual. Reid did so because the helicopter noise was interrupting his listening to an audiobook.
The helicopter aimed a spotlight at Reid, who threw away the laser pen in his back yard. When ground officers came to his home, Reid would not admit them. They had to threaten to use force before he opened the door.
A blue and a green laser pointer were found by a canine unit. Reid admitted the lasers were his.
In court in January 2020, Reid's attorney said Reid was "plagued by police helicopters searching for individuals…. Something got into his head and he utilized this laser pen to cause what could have been a catastrophe."
On January 29 2020, the judge gave Reid a four-month sentence suspended for 18 months, plus he had to complete a 60-day rehabilitation program.
The judge said "Any distraction and that helicopter is crashing into an urban area with devastating consequences. You were irritated, frustrated and annoyed at what they were doing interrupting your audiobook and it’s clear you were not thinking about the consequences of your behaviour. By the finest margin I can imagine I can suspend this sentence. You’ve caught me on a good day."
From Metro.co.uk
Kentish Town, northwest London, UK
On July 18 2019 Reid aimed a blue laser pen at a police helicopter that was searching for an individual. Reid did so because the helicopter noise was interrupting his listening to an audiobook.
The helicopter aimed a spotlight at Reid, who threw away the laser pen in his back yard. When ground officers came to his home, Reid would not admit them. They had to threaten to use force before he opened the door.
A blue and a green laser pointer were found by a canine unit. Reid admitted the lasers were his.
In court in January 2020, Reid's attorney said Reid was "plagued by police helicopters searching for individuals…. Something got into his head and he utilized this laser pen to cause what could have been a catastrophe."
On January 29 2020, the judge gave Reid a four-month sentence suspended for 18 months, plus he had to complete a 60-day rehabilitation program.
The judge said "Any distraction and that helicopter is crashing into an urban area with devastating consequences. You were irritated, frustrated and annoyed at what they were doing interrupting your audiobook and it’s clear you were not thinking about the consequences of your behaviour. By the finest margin I can imagine I can suspend this sentence. You’ve caught me on a good day."
From Metro.co.uk