A warrant for arrest has been issued for a Christchurch man who was due to be sentenced today for pointing a laser pointer at a plane coming into Christchurch International Airport.
Tane Hemopo, 38, failed to appear at the Christchurch District Court on two charges of endangering safety after pointing the laser at a Virgin Airlines flight with 121 passengers on board on April 5, 2016.
The court has previously heard how control tower staff told police a laser beam was coming in from the Port Hills area at 12:35am.
Hemopo is yet to comment on the charges and swore at Newshub camera crew during a request for an interview in February.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says laser strikes can cause potential accidents and temporary blindness to the pilot.
Police have said Hemopo showed “reckless disregard” for the safety of those on board.
Newshub.
