Helicopter laser hoodlum jailed

A MIDDLE-AGED man has been jailed for shining a laser pen at a police helicopter.

David Gill, 50, repeatedly aimed the green light at the pilot, forcing them to abandon a search for a car which failed to stop for police in the early hours of March 9. The helicopter’s crew were, however, able to pinpoint the source of light – guiding West Yorkshire Police colleagues straight to Gill.

Gill, from Leeds, had pleaded not guilty to endangering the safety of an aircraft. He was convicted and sentenced to nine months in prison at Leeds Crown Court.

Recent figures reveal there were 50 laser attacks on police helicopter crews in 2018. Ian Vause, assistant operations director for the National Police Air Service, said following the sentencing last month: ‘Shining a laser at an aircraft can have catastrophic consequences, endangering the crew on board and people on the ground.

‘We are pleased this individual has been brought to justice, and the nine-month sentence should serve as a deterrent to anyone thinking of doing the same.’