A self-confessed "idiot" who risked causing a disaster by shining a laser into the cockpit of a police helicopter has been jailed.
Sean O'Neil persistently directed the blinding green light from a phone app at the aircraft as it flew over a densely populated part of Gateshead at 1,500 feet.
A court heard there were a number of obstacles in the area, including masts and buildings, and O'Neil's actions could have had catastrophic consequences as the pilot was "dazzled and distracted".
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Now the 54-year-old, of Helmsdale Avenue, Felling, has been jailed for 20 weeks at Newcastle Crown Court after he admitted shining or directing a laser beam towards an aircraft.
The court heard it was around 8.40pm on July 19 last year that the pilot and two members of crew noticed the laser being aimed at them.
Prosecutor Annelise Haugstad said the pilot, who had 22 years experience, was flying the helicopter on behalf of the Police National Air Service, searching for a vehicle.
Miss Haugstad said: "They became aware of a green laser light entering the cockpit.
"It was a continuous light and it dazzled and distracted the pilot, hit him in the eyes.
"He took avoiding action and was forced to cancel the task and focus on the suspect using the laser."
The court heard the pilot, who was the only person who could control the aircraft, said it was the first time he had encountered such an event, which he described as posing a "significant danger".
Miss Haugstad added: "The potential consequences were a complete loss of control of the aircraft."
The court heard the beam was shone at the helicopter for around five minutes, on and off, and the pilot was able to direct officers on the ground to the source of the light.
Miss Recorder Davies told O'Neil: "You accept that this was a deliberate act and you were aiming the beam at the helicopter.
"You maintain your account that rather than a laser pen, this beam came from an android phone and you had been sent a link by a friend which you were trying out and you could not see any light being emitted from your phone."
O'Neil accepted his behaviour was "idiotic".
The judge added: "It is very easy to see how a fatal accident could have resulted, with lives put at risk. Not only the crew of the helicopter but also those on the ground beneath.
"You yourself recognise that.
"The danger presented by what you did was so serious only an immediate custodial sentenced can follow."
O'Neil admitted he deliberately shone the green laser at the police aircraft and said the beam came from an android phone app that had been sent to him by a friend, which he was trying out.
He said he could not see any light being emitted from the phone, despite a strong green beam being shown on video footage taken from the helicopter.
The court heard O'Neil has written a letter of apology to the pilot and the judge accepted he is "very remorseful".
