A 21-year-old man from Abbots Langley, who endangered an aircraft by shining a laser pen at a police helicopter, has been given a conditional discharge.

Charlie Baker, of Upper Highway, Abbots Langley, was arrested and charged on Friday, November 18, following the incident.

He was bailed and appeared at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 29.

Baker was found guilty of the charge and given a conditional discharge of 12 months.

He also has to pay costs of £85 and the court ordered forfeiture of the laser.