Teen's bill for a wild party? Cops say $18,000

Australian officials say host may have to pay cost of breaking up gathering

updated 11:26 a.m. ET Jan. 14, 2008

MELBOURNE, Australia - An Australian teenager who threw a wild party while his parents were away could face a hefty fine after police said Monday they might charge him for the cost of breaking up the gathering.

More than 500 people turned up to the party Saturday in the southern city of Melbourne, and some of them went on a rampage when police responded to complaints about the noise.

Police cars were pelted with glass bottles and nearby houses and gardens were vandalized before at least 30 officers, a helicopter and the dog squad were able to end the melee at the suburban home. No one was arrested.

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Victoria state Police Commissioner Christine Nixon said it would be difficult to prove exactly who caused the estimated $18,000 in damage, but the youth may hold ultimate responsibility because he threw the party.

"He needs to learn a lesson, and one way or another we will be making sure that happens," Nixon told reporters at a news conference.

The 16-year-old told local media he had no regrets about the party because he believed invited guests had no role in the ruckus. Asked if he would do it again, the youth said he would do it again this weekend — if his parents were not due home from a vacation this week.

Victoria's acting Premier Rob Hulls said the youth's parents had no idea about the party and were horrified when police told them what had happened.