I’M not sure what kind of thrill monumentally stupid individuals who shine laser pens at aircraft get but it urgently needs stopping.

Dazzling or distracting pilots in this way is extremely dangerous and could easily lead to a crash and loss of life.

So it’s very good news that, under new Government proposals, shining laser pens like this can now result in a fine of thousands of pounds or a jail sentence.

Since 2009, there have been around 1,500 of these attacks on aircraft And they are attacks because, in these circumstances, a laser pen is a deadly weapon.

Currently, prosecution is only likely if the distraction is deemed reckless endangerment. Now, just using pens that way could be enough.

Laser pens are useful in offices and schools, are cheap to buy and easily available. The police need help to stop them being used dangerously, so it’s up to us.