A man is to go on trial next year charged with endangering a P&O ferry by using a laser light.

Christopher Lee is accused of shining the beam into the bridge of The Spirit of France cross-channel ferry.

The 21 year old has denied the charge of “unlawfully and intentionally seriously interfering with the operation of a ship” under a 1990 Act.

Lee, of Selkirk Road, Dover, is accused of interfered with the operation of the P&O vessel by shining a green laser light into the bridge on March 7 this year.

The Crown Prosecution Service claim the use of the laser light was used “where interference was likely to endanger the safe navigation of the ship”.

Canterbury Crown Court heard that the ship’s captain and first mate are likely to give evidence at the three-day trial, which is expected to start on January 7 next year.

Lee, who spoke only to confirm his name, nationality and plea, was then granted unconditional bail until the hearing.

Under the Aviation and Maritime Security Act on 1990, it is an offence to illegal to intend to “seriously interfere” with the operation of a ship.

In May this year Parliament introduced a new act, banning the shining of lasers at cars, planes and ships, called the Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act.