Australian police yesterday arrested and charged a teenager who became a controversial media star after a wild party at his parents' house became a near riot, forcing police to call in a helicopter and the dog squad.
The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, decided to throw a party while his parents were on holidays. He posted a notice on his MySpace site about the party and 500 people turned up to his suburban home in Melbourne on Saturday.
The party turned sour after revellers clashed with police called in by frightened neighbours. Partygoers threw bottles at police cars until the arrival of reinforcements, including a helicopter and the police dog squad.
Police yesterday laid charges against him, including creating a public nuisance and producing child pornography. Although his name has been widely published, he can not now be named under privacy laws for Australia's children's court.
Police said the youth had been bailed to appear in court in February, while a second boy was also being interviewed. Images of the widely-photographed teenager were pixilated after he was charged.
The unrepentant teenager has become a controversial media star since the party, with his exploits making it to global television networks.
He has been offered thousands of dollars to organise more teenage parties, while police have been considering presenting him with a A$20,000 (€12,049) bill for the cost of the melee.
His website, which has attracted hundreds of comments, says he is a "swinger" and "indignant", and that he remains in hiding with friends.
The site jokingly offers to arrange parties with "a strippa" for a fee.
"For $20,000 I'll make you internationally famous by getting 500 idiots to attack police cars. Of course, you will have to pay $20,000 to clean up the mess," the profanity-filled site says alongside photos of teenage girls.
"MySpace party boy is not sorry for having an awesome party."
In a TV interview, the teenager told his furious parents, whom he is yet to confront, that he was sorry, but was unsure if he ever wanted to return home after his exploits. "I do sort of, but don't know right now," he said. Asked if he was just a suburban brat who couldn't handle the truth, he said: "Nuh".