Plane lands safely at airport after laser light shone into cockpit

A PLANE carrying holidaymakers landed safely after a laser pen was shone into the cockpit while the pilot was approaching Doncaster's Robin Hood Airport.

South Yorkshire Police are now investigating the incident, which is thought to have happened over Balby at about 11.15pm on Monday, July 5.

Airport director Mike Morton said: "Thankfully incidents such as this are rare. However, both we and the police take such incidents very seriously and work closely to apprehend those individuals involved. We are pleased that the courts have a similar view, by way of issuing custodial sentences for those found guilty of such offences."

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Just minutes after the incident in Doncaster, a 16-year-old boy was seen shining a laser at the police helicopter in Cundy Cross, Barnsley. The teenager was tracked by the helicopter and officers on the ground were able to find him and arrest him at his home address.

He was later charged with aircraft offences and bailed to appear at Barnsley Youth Court on Wednesday, July 14.

Chief Inspector Tony Jepson said: "These criminal acts have the potential to endanger the life of the crew and the public and will not be tolerated.

"We will take this type of crime very seriously and will pursue anyone who commits this type of offence."

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Both incidents occurred after a Barnsley man was jailed for a year at Sheffield Crown Court for shining a laser pen at the police helicopter.

Thomas Henderson, 48, aimed the beam of light at the aircraft as it passed over his house n Welland Crescent, Elsecar.