Cork Man Accused of Laser Strike on Coast Guard Helicopter During River Lee Search

A Cork man has appeared in court accused of shining a green laser at an Irish Coast Guard helicopter during a search and rescue operation on the River Lee, with the judge refusing jurisdiction due to the serious nature of the alleged offence.

The accused appeared before Cork District Court charged with directing a laser beam into the cockpit of Rescue 117, the Waterford-based search and rescue helicopter, during an overnight search for a missing person in October 2023.

According to the Irish Examiner's court report, Sergeant John Kelleher told the court:

"The incident is alleged to have happened in the early hours of 18 October 2023. Rescue 117, the Waterford-based search and rescue helicopter, had been requested to assist Gardaí with the search shortly after midnight."

It's reported that at about 00:15, the crew reported a laser being directed into the cockpit and the operation was suspended. A second laser strike was reported at approximately 01:55, prompting a further stand-down.

The court heard that the helicopter's camera operator then observed a man on a balcony directing the beam at the aircraft, and Gardaí were guided to the location.

The Examiner reported that the accused, with an address at Lower John Street in Cork,

"was alleged to have invited Gardaí into the apartment." A search warrant was later obtained. The court was told that "a box of laser attachments was produced and that the laser device itself had been discarded."

Judge Mary Dorgan refused jurisdiction, with the Irish Examiner noting she cited:

"the seriousness of an alleged laser strike on an aircraft engaged in an active search and the fact it allegedly occurred twice."

The case was adjourned to 24 November for directions as it will proceed on indictment. The accused is represented by solicitor Joseph Cuddigan. No plea was entered during today's appearance.

Under Section 44 of the State Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014, it is an offence to deliberately or recklessly shine a light at, or in the direction of, a pilot or person involved in the operation of a flight so that it may dazzle, distract or confuse them. On conviction on indictment, an individual is liable to a fine up to €50,000 or imprisonment up to five years, or both.

The Irish Aviation Authority has strict rules for outdoor lights that may be visible to aircraft, including laser displays, requiring advance permission and mitigation measures to prevent interference.

This is not the first such incident involving Coast Guard helicopters. The service has issued warnings after helicopters were targeted by lasers, including during a 2019 training flight. Gardaí also investigated a 2023 report of a green laser aimed at a Coast Guard helicopter over West Cork. Multiple aircraft on approach to Dublin Airport were targeted on a single night in 2022, prompting renewed safety concerns from pilots and authorities.

The case has been sent forward for trial on indictment, with the next court appearance scheduled for 24 November.