Man who pointed laser at a passenger plane now behind bars

The man who put 121 people's lives at risk by dazzling a flight crew with a laser has been found.

Tane Hemopo, 39, disappeared before he was due to be sentenced at the Christchurch District Court yesterday.

He was later found walking down Colombo St and appeared in the court this morning.

Since his last appearance, Hemopo faces two minor charges and so has been recalled to prison to serve more of an earlier term.

He has admitted pointing a green laser at two aircraft and the Christchurch International Airport control tower on April 5.

Hemopo originally faced up to 14 years' imprisonment, until last month when he pleaded guilty under the Civil Aviation Act, which carries up to a year's imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine.

​Hemopo has been remanded in custody until his next appearance on October 17.