A Christchurch man has denied pointing a laser at an incoming plane with 121 passengers on board last month.
Tane Hemopo, 38, is facing two charges of endangering safety and will stand trial after pleading not guilty in Christchurch District Court today.
Control tower staff told police of a laser coming from the Port Hills direction at 12:35am on April 5. Hemopo allegedly shone the laser four times at a Virgin Airlines flight from Sydney.
Judge Alistair Garland remanded him in custody to July 25 for a case review hearing.
The Civil Aviation Authority says any laser strike has the potential to cause an accident and temporary blindness to the pilot.
Police said Hemopo showed "reckless disregard" for the safety of those on board the plane. The Port Hills is some 18km away from Christchurch International Airport.
Newshub./Christchurch Court News
