Wrexham man jailed for shining lasers at police helicopter

Ian Davies, of Park Avenue, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentence on Tuesday morning.

The 58-year-old had admitted two counts of shining or directing a laser beam towards an aircraft on December 28 last year.

Brian Treadwell, prosecuting, told the court that Captain Jason Grime was piloting a police helicopter on operational duty over Wrexham on the day of the offence.

Just after 5.20pm, he became aware a green laser with "extreme brightness" was being directed at the cockpit, so he took evasive action.

But shortly afterwards, a red laser shone on the cockpit.

Mr Treadwell said the red and green lasers were then used on and off for around 20 minutes and caused a "severe distraction" for Capt. Grime, as well as significantly increasing the workload of the helicopter crew who were attempting to assist officers on the ground with the apprehension of offenders.

READ MORE: Wrexham man pleads guilty to shining laser at police helicopter

Mr Treadwell said the distraction could have proved "catastrophic," particularly given the aircraft's flight path over the highly populated Wrexham city centre.

Ian Davies. Image: North Wales Police (Image: North Wales Police)

Onboard cameras were used to identify the source of the beams, and officers were sent to Davies' home on Park Avenue, where the laser devices were located.

Philip Tully, defending, told the court his client understood the serious nature of the offences, and the potential danger they may have caused.

He said: "This conduct was completely out of character, when he was at a very low ebb, under the influence of alcohol and clearly not thinking straight.

"There was no sophistication, and his conduct was not done to avoid or assist the commission of an offence.

"He's in full time employment and holds an important position in the aircraft industry.

"If he is sent to prison, he would lose his employment, his home and would be unable to pay the various debts he has."

Mr Tully added the defendant had made a "very foolish decision."

He asked Judge Nicola Saffman to consider an alternative to immediate custody, reasoning his client had exhibited genuine remorse, had no previous convictions and would benefit from the help of the probation service.

Make sure you don't miss the top court stories of the week by signing up to our free court newsletter

Judge Saffman told the defendant: "You were extremely reckless as to whether the beams would hit the helicopter, which they did.

"There was a dazzle which would have prevented the pilot from seeing his instruments and seeing where he was going.

"Your actions could have had tragic consequences."

The Judge arrived at a total sentence of six months - but said the matter was so serious it could not be suspended.

The custodial term would act as a deterrent to other members of the public, she said.
"It gives me no pleasure to send a man like you into custody," she said.