On the night of Monday, 18th August, around 11:15 pm, a laser beam was reportedly directed at a PSNI helicopter flying over the Victoria Street area of Lurgan. Following the report, police investigated and subsequently charged a 20-year-old man in connection with the incident.
The man faces multiple charges, including shining or directing a laser beam towards a vehicle, endangering the safety of a vehicle and shining a light to dazzle or distract a pilot. These charges reflect the serious risks posed by laser beams to aircraft, which can temporarily blind pilots or interfere with onboard equipment, potentially leading to dangerous situations.
The accused is scheduled to appear before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on 12th September 2025. As per standard procedure, the Public Prosecution Service will review all charges before the court date.
The helicopter involved was G-PSNR, a Eurocopter EC145, serial number 9488, built in 2011. It has served with the Police Service of Northern Ireland since July 2013, operating under the callsign Police 443. It’s based at JHC Flying Station Aldergrove, which adjoins Belfast International Airport.
