Man accused of shining laser into helicopter cockpit during search for missing person in Cork

The rescue helicopter had to stand down from the rescue operation twice

Irish coastguard helicopter Rescue 117 was involved in a search of the River Lee for a missing person during the alleged incident. File photo: Joe Evans

A laser was shone from the balcony of an apartment into the cockpit of a helicopter which was involved in a search of the River Lee for a missing person causing the rescue helicopter to have to stand down from its activities on two separate occasions.

These were the allegations made on Monday in the case against a man, aged around 40, at Cork District Court.