A man who shone a laser light pen into the cockpit of a police helicopter over Ashford has avoided jail.

Judge Heather Norton told Robert McConville that the consequences could have been catastrophic.

“You endangered the life of those in the helicopter and it could have crashed,” Judge Norton said. “This is an extremely serious offence indeed. Your behaviour placed the police helicopter crew in danger.”

McConville, 36, of Swallowfield, Ashford, admitted endangering the safety of an aircraft by shining a laser light pen.

Peter Forbes, prosecuting, said that on January 16 a police helicopter was deployed to search for a missing person in the Ashford area who was reportedly suicidal.

While it was in the air a laser light pen was shone in the cockpit, changing from green to red and lasting for about 10 minutes. The pilot had to take steps to minimise the dazzle.

Police examined the helicopter’s camera and computer system which revealed that the light came from a house in Swallowfield. Officers went to the house and McConville was questioned and produced two laser light pens and said it was a stupid thing to do.

Mr Forbes said McConville had previous convictions for handling stolen goods, possessing Class A and Class B drugs, shoplifting and being concerned in the production of controlled drugs of Class C and B.

He said McConville was due to appear in court on May 12 but failed to turn up. He was arrested and admitted failing to answer bail.

Paul Hogben, defending, said McConville had a drug problem and was using Class A drugs when he shone the laser light.

“When I saw him on June 13 he was practically incoherent and looked extremely ill,” Mr Hogben said. “This was due to his drug use which was heavy at the time. Since he’s been in custody he’s been drug free and is determined not to relapse.”

Judge Norton told McConville: “You are someone who since childhood has had problems with drugs and now this is having a potential effect on your mental health and thinking skills.”

McConville was jailed for eight months for the laser pen offence and two weeks in addition for the bail offence, suspended for 18 months. He was also given a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement and must pay £100 court surcharge.