ORANGE man Patrick Toohey was fined $400 for possession of a laser pointer in a public place after a police vehicle stop at Medlow Bath on March 9.
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Toohey, 24, who had already pleaded guilty to the charge in Katoomba Local Court, was represented in Orange Local Court on Thursday by solicitor Andrew Rolfe who told the court his client had put the pointer in a bag some time ago and had completely forgotten about it.
Police said in their evidence they pulled the vehicle, with Toohey and four friends, over for a random breath test and were prompted to search the vehicle after they say they detected a smell of cannabis and the men in the car had bloodshot eyes.
No cannabis was found in the vehicle and the driver returned a negative breath test.
Toohey, 24, pleaded guilty to the charge with the case transferred to Orange Local Court for sentencing last Thursday.
In his client’s defence Mr Rolfe told the court his client was in full-time employment and had been in a steady relationship for the last two years.
Before sentencing Rolfe asked magistrate Bruce Williams to take into account his client’s early plea of guilty to the charge.
Under NSW legislative changes introduced to the Weapons Prohibition Act 1988, it is now illegal to possess a laser pointer in a public place unless you are a teacher or lecturer or can prove you are an amateur astronomer.
The changes were introduced into law following a number of incidents of people pointing lasers at planes and helicopters over Sydney.
