North Belfast Man Jailed for Shining Laser at Police Helicopter
Melvin Joyce has landed behind bars after admitting to endangering aircraft safety by beaming a laser at a police helicopter. The incident happened on January 21 in Dunmore, North Belfast.
Laser Targeting Leads to Arrest
The Police Service Northern Ireland’s Air Support Unit came under attack when the laser dazzled the helicopter pilot. Officers quickly traced the beam to a nearby house, leading to an arrest.
Four Months Jail for Reckless Endangerment
Joyce pleaded guilty to shining a laser at a moving helicopter, risking pilot distraction and dazzling. He also admitted reckless endangerment of aircraft safety. The judge sentenced him to four months behind bars.
PSNI Issues Warning to Offenders
“The Air Support Unit exists to protect people so targeting us and endangering our officers and the public is totally irresponsible and wrong,” said a PSNI spokesperson. “We hope this sends a clear message that such reckless behaviour will not be tolerated and offenders will be pursued.”
