A JUDGE has slammed the “gross stupidity” of a man who shone an industrial torch at the Gwent Police helicopter in the hope it would shine a light back on him.

Glanville Jones, 30, admitted recklessly or negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft or a person in an aircraft.

Judge William Gaskell said the act showed the “intellectual functioning of a nine-year-old” and that he found it difficult to comprehend such stupidity.

Jones was given an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years at Cardiff Crown Court.

The incident happened on February 12, when a Gwent Police helicopter was flying around the area to get an overhead view of the scene of a road traffic collision.

Judge Gaskell said Jones, in his “gross stupidity” used a battery-powered powerful torch, which he uses for his job as a carpenter when he needs better light, and pointed it at the helicopter.

He said: “There’s some suggestion that you thought if you shone a light on it, it would shine a light on you.

“Frankly, it’s pathetic. You’re supposed to an adult, you’re supposed to function like a grown up.

“The fact of the matter is you put the lives of the pilots and the observers in that helicopter at risk. For what?

“It’s simply difficult to comprehend such stupidity, your behaviour puts you at risk of going to prison.

“Frankly your record is deeply unimpressive. 17 offences, they started in 1999 when you attempted to burgle a dwelling.”

Judge Gaskell added that Jones’ offences include theft, fraud, a firearm offence, stealing and assaulting a police officer.

“It’s said in your favour, it’s been a couple of years now since you last committed an offence,” he added.

“In the end, I’ve decided the prison sentence will be suspended, it’s perfectly obvious that you are remorseful and frankly, exceptionally stupid.

“It’s clear that you didn’t try to blind. You probably did think that you shone a light on them, they would shine a light on you.”

As well as the suspended sentence, Jones will have to complete a thinking skills programme and 200 hours unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £340 court costs and £100 victim surcharge.

On allowing Jones, of Glanffrwd, Penyrheol, Caerphilly to leave the dock, Judge Gaskell said: “Go away and behave yourself and behave like an adult”.

A Gwent Police spokesman said after the hearing: “People may think that it is a harmless prank shining a light or laser at an aircraft but actually it is extremely dangerous and puts lives at risk.

"Many of these laser lights have a strong beam which can cause temporary blindness or more permanent injuries to the pilot and crew, even from a great distance.

"We take these offences extremely seriously, and will continue to take action to prosecute against anyone carrying out such activity.”