A MAN is due to appear before magistrates today after a 'light was shone at a helicopter as it flew over Bournemouth'.

George Totham, of Seymour Close in Portsmouth, was charged with two counts following an incident on March 30.

The defendant, 39, is accused of directing or shining a light at an aircraft in flight so as to dazzle or distract its pilot, as well as a second charge of possessing cocaine.

Prosecutors allege Totham shone a light at an Airbus H135 helicopter from Meyrick Road in Bournemouth.

It is claimed he had a quantity of cocaine at the Queen's Hotel in Meyrick Road on the same date.

Totham is due to appear at Poole Magistrates' Court this morning.