An Adelaide father of three shone a laser beam at a police helicopter in an "act of inebriated stupidity" only to distract the pilot, not to cause a crash, a court has heard.

Adam Thomas Stewart's lawyer told the District Court the 30-year-old had been watching football and drinking with his brother before the offence at Evanston, north of Adelaide, in September 2013.

The court was told Stewart was playing with the laser, which he had bought online for less than $10, and was swooping the beam through the sky.

His lawyer, Julian Kelly, said his client was only trying to distract the police helicopter pilot.

"He wasn't intending to make it crash ... he's, other than this matter, a responsible family man," he said.

"It was an act of inebriated stupidity, your honour, for which he is extremely remorseful."

Prosecutor Jemma Litster said the laser beam was pointed at the police helicopter on and off for about five minutes about 11:00pm.

She said it affected the pilot's eyes causing sensitivity and discomfort over the next day and the act risked causing disorientation.

"It's plain that these type of offences are liable to cause dangerous situations to arise," Ms Litster said.

"A period of imprisonment is warranted for this offending."

Stewart has pleaded guilty to prejudicing the safe operation of an aircraft.

Mr Kelly urged Judge Paul Rice to spare his client jail.

"He does understand comprehensively just how dangerous his actions were on that night," he said.

Stewart will be sentenced next month.