Northern Ireland

19-year-old in court accused of shining laser at police helicopter

The teenager is accused of endangering a police helicopter by shining a laser at it
The teenager is accused of endangering a police helicopter by shining a laser at it The teenager is accused of endangering a police helicopter by shining a laser at it

A 19-year-old has appeared in court accused of endangering a police helicopter by shining a laser at it in the skies above Belfast.

Karl Barkley allegedly targeted the aircraft as it monitored crowds attending the Northern Ireland vs Germany football match at Windsor Park on October 5.

The defendant, of Cambrai Street in the city, was arrested later that night.

At Belfast Magistrates' Court today he faced charges of directing a light at the helicopter to dazzle or distract the pilot, and endangering the safety of an aircraft.

Asked if he understood the alleged offences, Barkley nodded and replied: "Yes."

According to a prosecution lawyer the case is likely to proceed by indictment to the Crown Court.

Releasing Barkley on continuing bail, District Judge Fiona Bagnall requested a full update for his next appearance in December.