Teen shone laser at car drivers

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A 17-year-old youth has been charged with shining a laser light into the eyes of car drivers - including a police constable.

Police withdrew the two original charges today and replaced them with more serious indictable charges, which carry heavier potential penalties, Christchurch Court News website reported.

Aaron Robert Gianelly, an unemployed Rolleston youth, is alleged to have shone the laser into the eyes of drivers at Rolleston on October 31.

He now faces a total of three charges alleging he shone the light with reckless disregard for the safety of the drivers, causing them danger.

Defence counsel Steve Hembrow said he had grave concerns about the charges that were laid and they could be challenged before Gianelly was sent for trial.

Judge Gary MacAskill remanded the youth on bail to a post-committal conference in Christchurch District Court offices on January 22.

No pleas have been entered.

- NZPA