Northern Ireland

Man charged after laser shone at PSNI helicopter

A man has been charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft
A man has been charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft A man has been charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft

A 35-year-old man has been charged after a laser was shone at a PSNI helicopter in Co Antrim.

The incident happened in Carrickfergus on Saturday night.

Detective Chief Inspector Rowan Moore, from Air Support Unit, said: “The charges are in connection with an incident on the evening of Saturday 19 September when a police helicopter was operating in the Carrickfergus area when it was struck by a laser pointer. 

"The crew of the helicopter were able to direct officers on the ground to an address in Greenisland where the suspect was arrested. Following a search of the property, police also recovered a small amount of herbal cannabis.”



The man has been charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft, shining a light to dazzle or distract a pilot and possession of a class B controlled drug. He is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Friday 16 October.