Woman caught shining laser at police helicopter during search operation

A woman was caught repeatedly shining a laser at a police helicopter. The 37-year-old aimed it at a helicopter being used for a search late on the night of July 11 in Newport.

A National Police Air Service (NPAS) spokeswoman said a helicopter crew from St Athan was deployed at 10.04pm that night to assist Gwent Police with the search. The helicopter was then “repeatedly targeted by a green laser” and the crew used camera and mapping systems to identify an address in east Newport where the laser was aimed.

Gwent Police attended and arrested the 37-year-old woman on suspicion of pointing a laser beam at a vehicle. The case ended with a community resolution, an option available to police to deal with minor offences. Community resolutions often involve restorative justice techniques such as the offender apologising to the victim, paying compensation or making amends for the harm caused. They do not result in a criminal record and do not require the offender to appear in court.

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The NPAS spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for aircraft to be targeted by lasers, although this is extremely dangerous and reckless. Distracting a pilot puts the lives of the crew and those on the ground at serious risk. That is why it is punishable by a prison sentence.”

“All NPAS aircraft are equipped with equipment that allows crews to pinpoint where a laser is being aimed and record evidence to support a conviction. NPAS will always pursue a conviction in court, with the valuable support of local police. We thank Gwent Police on this occasion for their swift response in attending and making the arrest.”