Hi All,
Mike wrote:
"I wonder what the punishment is though, apart from taking their laser away from them."
As one who has spent (wasted) a hell of a lot of time hanging around courts over the years (in NSW), I'd say that assuming a reasonable or good police record, they are likely to be fined somewhere between $200 and $400- plus nominal Court costs and forfeiture of the laser. Not nearly enough.
I see a time when a permit will be required for them in NSW is quickly approaching (they will classify them as a "Prohibited Article"). That is not necessarily a bad thing, though it will be a pain in the you-know-what to have to renew every once and a while and justiify why it is needed. The upside of course is that such a system will put-off many (sadly, not all) the miscreants.
When I use mine at Sydney Observatory I am, virtually without fail asked "where do I get one"? I tell 'em its a state-secret.
Best,
Les D