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Man sentenced over laser attack Man sentenced over laser attack
(about 2 hours later)
A man who shone a laser pen at a police helicopter - dazzling its pilots - has been ordered to do 120 hours of community service.A man who shone a laser pen at a police helicopter - dazzling its pilots - has been ordered to do 120 hours of community service.
Ryan Smith, 18, of Lagmore Grove on the outskirts of west Belfast, pleaded guilty to wrecklessly endangering a helicopter on New year's Eve 2008. Ryan Smith, 18, of Lagmore Grove, on the outskirts of west Belfast, pleaded guilty to recklessly endangering a helicopter on New Year's Eve 2008.
It was responding to a report of arson and was hovering over Poleglass estate when it was hit six or seven times.It was responding to a report of arson and was hovering over Poleglass estate when it was hit six or seven times.
Onboard CCTV pinpointed the source to the front door of Mr Smith's house.Onboard CCTV pinpointed the source to the front door of Mr Smith's house.
Officers on the ground then arrested him and recovered the laser.Officers on the ground then arrested him and recovered the laser.
At Craigavon court on Thursday, the prosecution accepted there had been no deliberate attempt to endanger the aircraft.At Craigavon court on Thursday, the prosecution accepted there had been no deliberate attempt to endanger the aircraft.
A defence solicitor said his client was deeply sorry for what had happened and that he failed to realise the potential consequences.A defence solicitor said his client was deeply sorry for what had happened and that he failed to realise the potential consequences.
The judge said it had been an act of sheer stupidity and handed down the community service order.The judge said it had been an act of sheer stupidity and handed down the community service order.