A 20-year-old Bradford man could face a custodial sentence after he shone a laser at the West Yorkshire Police helicopter.

Luke Rawson admitted shining the laser pen three times at the aircraft.

He appeared at Bradford Crown Court today and pleaded guilty to a charge of recklessly or negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger aircraft, in breach of the Civil Aviation Act.

The charge specified that on June 3 this year, at Bradford, Rawson, of Rawson Street, Wyke, shone a green laser pen at the West Yorkshire Police force helicopter.

His lawyer, Philip Ainge, said Rawson accepted shining the laser pen three times at the helicopter.

He asked for a probation report before Rawson, who had no convictions of a similar nature, was sentenced.

The judge, Recorder Bryan Cox QC, adjourned the case until October 20 and granted Rawson unconditional bail.

The Civil Aviation Authority said it took any threat to aviation safety seriously.

A spokesman said: “Any member of the public shining a light at an aircraft or helicopter could endanger the safety of the flight, and any person found guilty of such an offence could face a custodial sentence.”

There has been a big rise in laser incidents, from 29 in 2007 to 206 last year.

Earlier this year nine aircraft were targeted by laser guns as they landed at Leeds-Bradford Airport.

Pilots can be blinded for several seconds by the light. This is followed by several minutes of visual effects such as glare and flash-blindness. Pilots are asked to see an aeromedical doctor or optometrist before flying again.

Bob Jones, head of flight operations at the CAA, said the message was clear to individuals targeting aircraft with laser devices.

“You will be caught and you will be prosecuted and you could spend up to five years in prison,” he said.

“We strongly urge anyone who sees a laser being used against aircraft to contact the police immediately. These things are not toys, they pose a serious risk to all flight safety.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said last night: “Shining laser pens into the cockpit of any aircraft is extremely dangerous. Doing so could dazzle or distract a pilot and puts lives at risk. Such reckless behaviour will be investigated and we hope today’s conviction acts as a warning to others.”