A man who shone a powerful laser at the police helicopter in a "drunken escapade" has been sentenced to alcohol treatment and community work.
Kristian Larsen, 44, was convicted of endangering transport when he shone a laser at the Eagle helicopter from the balcony of his central Auckland apartment on December 1.
Police said the pilot was momentarily blinded and suffered a headache the following day.
Sanjay Patel, lawyer for Larsen, told the Auckland District Court today that his client was "47 days sober" and completing an intensive alcohol detoxification programme.
"The wheels are now in motion for this man's total recovery," he said.