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Laser light man avoids jail term Man sentenced in laser light case
(about 5 hours later)
A man who admitted shining a laser at a police helicopter as it flew over Oxford has avoided jail. A man who admitted shining a laser at a police helicopter as it flew over Oxford has been ordered to carry out 200 hours community service.
Jomir Ali, 20, of Leon Close, Oxford, was arrested on 3 August after the light was shone at the aircraft, temporarily blinding the crew.Jomir Ali, 20, of Leon Close, Oxford, was arrested on 3 August after the light was shone at the aircraft, temporarily blinding the crew.
In an earlier hearing, he admitted endangering the safety of the helicopter. In an earlier hearing, he admitted endangering the safety of the aircraft.
When he appeared at Oxford Magistrates' Court for sentencing he was given 200 hours' community service. Oxford Magistrates' Court heard when he was caught Ali told police he had been "stupid".
The laser caused mild eye irritation to two of the officers on board.The laser caused mild eye irritation to two of the officers on board.
Bright green glowBright green glow
When he was caught, Ali told police he had been "stupid".
Magistrates said the consequences could have been catastrophic.Magistrates said the consequences could have been catastrophic.
Pc Neil Bouse, who investigated the case, said: "This incident could have resulted in a very serious accident.Pc Neil Bouse, who investigated the case, said: "This incident could have resulted in a very serious accident.
"Shining a laser at an aircraft can dazzle and disorientate the pilot - the front windscreen has thousands of tiny scratches on its surface, which diffract the laser beam in every direction."Shining a laser at an aircraft can dazzle and disorientate the pilot - the front windscreen has thousands of tiny scratches on its surface, which diffract the laser beam in every direction.
"Essentially, the laser beam lights up the whole of the windscreen in a bright green glow, which can potentially blind the pilot.""Essentially, the laser beam lights up the whole of the windscreen in a bright green glow, which can potentially blind the pilot."
Following sentencing, Ali said he was ashamed of what he did and was relieved he was not being sent to prison.Following sentencing, Ali said he was ashamed of what he did and was relieved he was not being sent to prison.
"What I did was just shameful. I do feel bad really to be honest and I do regret it," he added."What I did was just shameful. I do feel bad really to be honest and I do regret it," he added.
The number of similar incidents reported to the Civil Aviation Authority has grown dramatically in recent years.The number of similar incidents reported to the Civil Aviation Authority has grown dramatically in recent years.
In 2007 there were 29 laser pen incidents, compared with more than 500 so far this year.In 2007 there were 29 laser pen incidents, compared with more than 500 so far this year.