New York, Aug 6 (IANS): A court in the US has sent a 26-year-old youth to prison for one year and nine months for aiming a laser pointer at a helicopter in 2013.
Brett Lee Scott pleaded guilty to the charges and explained his actions by saying that he was "bored", a report on Arstechnica website said.
"This is a truly senseless crime - and a very serious one," said US Attorney Benjamin Wagner from California.
"Defendants like Scott who thoughtlessly point lasers at an aircraft for their short-sighted amusement, put lives at risk and create the very real possibility that a needless tragedy will occur," he added while delivering the verdict.
"My office will continue to prosecute these cases vigorously and will work with the FBI and our local law enforcement partners to send the message that this behaviour will not be tolerated," the judge's statement added.
The FBI counted more than 3,960 laser strikes aimed at aircraft in 2013.
While no serious injuries or deaths have occurred yet, pilots reported saying that being struck by a laser can be a terrifying experience that may cause temporary blindness.
In March 2014, 26-year-old Sergio Rodriguez was jailed for 14 years in another laser pointing case by the same prosecutors in California, the report added.