The unusual charges of using a laser pointer to inflict bodily harm and concealing an offensive weapon were brought before Magistrates' Court yesterday.

A 25-year-old Gospel Lane man pled guilty to both counts before Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves.

Crown counsel Juan Wolfe said Police officers reported they were driving along Par La Ville Road on August 27, 1998, when Clinton Smith shone a red light in the eyes of the driver.

As the car continued by, he then pointed the light into the rearview mirror of the car, reflecting light into the driver's eyes for a second time, forcing them to pull over.

Smith then tried to hide the pointer in his pocket. Police recovered the pointer, and noticed it read: "Danger: light radiation. Avoid direct eye contact."

At the scene, Smith told Police: "I was just f****** with my friend."

But in court yesterday, Smith disputed the Police account. "I'm not stupid enough to curse to a cop," he said.

No charges were filed for the use of offensive language.

Duty counsel Veronica Daley asked Mr. Greaves to be lenient with Smith, saying that what he did was not a serious offence.

Mr. Greaves disagreed, and pointed out the dangers of distracting someone while driving. "They could have crashed and killed lots of people," he said.

"It's like throwing rocks into a pond. What is a sport for you is death for me say the frogs," he added. Mr. Greaves then fined Smith $500.