Is it illegal to shine a laser pointer in somebody's eye?

Naffa · 3 May 2011 at 20:03

I'm not sure what the power rating of the laser was.

I was at a gig last night and the manager was shining a laser pointer into somebody's eye to get their attention, and to stop them recording it. :eek:

Is it legal to do that in the UK? Thanks.

.Kencs · 3 May 2011 at 20:04

naffa said:
I'm not sure what the power rating of the laser was.

I was at a gig last night and the manager was shining a laser pointer into somebody's eye to get their attention, and to stop them recording it.

Is it legal to do that in the UK? Thanks.

Not illegal (as far as im aware) but its not recommended as it can cause damage to your eye...

jp_bl_68 · 3 May 2011 at 20:04

I would've thought so given the potential for harm.

Energize · 3 May 2011 at 20:05

1mW laser pens are considered eye safe so I doubt it. For higher power lasers then maybe it would be considered assault.

.Kencs · 3 May 2011 at 20:06

jp_bl_68 said:
I would've thought so given the potential for harm.

holding it pointed at someone's eye maybe, but by the sounds of the OP saying to get this person's attention im guessing flickering the laser pen

Naffa · 3 May 2011 at 20:07

I should point out, the manager was pretty obviously aiming at the person's eye.

Richie · 3 May 2011 at 20:10

Could be construed as "Culpable and Reckless Conduct" depending on the circumstances involved e.g. shining it into a pilots eyes during landing, shining it into a driver's eyes whilst driving etc etc.

In the particular circumstances you mention - most likely not.

franco_22 · 3 May 2011 at 20:12

I would've hit him with my keyboard :mad:

.Kencs · 3 May 2011 at 20:19

franco_22 said:
I would've hit him with my keyboard

You'd take your Keyboard to a gig? lol

Vonhelmet · 3 May 2011 at 20:20

Doesn't sound like a great idea whatever the legality of it.

arknor · 3 May 2011 at 20:22

.Kencs said:
You'd take your Keyboard to a gig? lol

maybe they had a keyboard on stage

you know the type that plays music

Brian8bit · 3 May 2011 at 20:24

arknor said:
maybe they had a keyboard on stage you know the type that plays music

"I play synth *doo doo doo dooo dooooo*, we all play synth doo doo doo doooo doooooo*".

Insanties_birth · 3 May 2011 at 20:24

Probably no real law specifying against it but there will be a chance to take action against them (either to cease doing it or sue for damages) should it cause damage or be seen as a frequent occurrence.

Destination · 3 May 2011 at 21:11

.Kencs said:
Not illegal (as far as im aware) but its not recommended as it can cause damage to your eye...

Causing someone harm is battery under UK law, if not more, such as ABH or GBH if they lose their sight temp or permanently.
The act of shining the light where someone believe the person did it to cause harm, or with the potential for harm is assault under UK law.

aspirins · 3 May 2011 at 21:14

Was it a laser like this?

These are illegal afaik.

PhillyDee · 3 May 2011 at 21:16

What colour laser? This makes a difference with the power as well. Personally, I would report him.

Von Smallhausen · 3 May 2011 at 21:21

aspirins said:

Nick Clegg ' Do you expect me to vote for first past the post ? '

David Cameron ' No Mr Clegg, I expect you to die. '

RomanNose · 3 May 2011 at 21:24

aspirins said:
Was it a laser like this?

These are illegal afaik.

Shouldn't that laser be reflected considering the angle and how shiny the surface is?

Begbie · 3 May 2011 at 21:28

A club I used to go to they done this with punters on the dance floor that required the bouncers attention. Worked pretty well, and never heard of any eye damage.

Energize · 3 May 2011 at 21:29

aspirins said:
These are illegal afaik.

There isn't any legislation regarding the personal use of high power lasers. You could build a 100,000mW CO2 laser if you wanted.