A man who deliberately shone a laser pen at a helicopter causing a crew member to lose their vision has escaped a prison sentence.

Limshin Chung Ching Wan, 42, of Blackdown Close, pleaded guilty to recklessly and negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft.

Police were called to an address in Blackdown Close, East Finchley on 12 January after a National Police Air Service Helicopter was targeted with a green laser light several times, causing a crew member to momentarily lose vision.

The aircraft was repositioned to protect the pilot and local officers from Barnet's Response Team swiftly attended the address where it was believed the laser pen was being used.

Chung Ching Wan was questioned about the laser being shone out of the window and he initially denied having any laser pens.

However, when the seriousness of the offence was explained Chung Ching Wan produced a laser pen.

Officers arrested Chung Ching Wan and seized a total of four high powered laser pens.

Chung Ching Wan shone the laser at the aircraft numerous times, he also opened the window of the address to shine the laser out and up at the aircraft.

Wan was yesterday sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for two years, was told he must observe a curfew and was ordered to pay court costs of £300.

Ollie Dismore, Director of Flight Operations for the National Police Air Service said: “Laser misuse, such as this, is a 21st Century threat not just to aviation but the wider travelling public and it is a positive step to see this reflected in sentencing in this way.

“NPAS and the police forces it serves take this offence very seriously and will continue to pursue prosecutions against its own aircraft, as well as supporting airlines and airports in protecting those travelling by air.”

Currently, it is an offence to shine lasers at pilots and offenders could face fines of up to £2,500 and/or up to five years in prison.