This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/8427548.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Balloon parents must pay $42,000 Balloon parents must pay $42,000
(about 9 hours later)
US parents who triggered a major alert by claiming their son was adrift in a helium balloon have been ordered to pay the $42,000 (£26,000) rescue bill. A US couple who triggered a major alert by claiming their son was adrift in a helium balloon have been ordered to pay the $42,000 (£26,000) rescue bill.
The Colorado couple reported in October that their young son had been carried away by the balloon - whose progress was then tracked by news organisations. The Colorado couple reported in October their son had been carried away by the balloon - causing a media drama.
Six-year-old Falcon Heene's disappearance became a media drama, but he was found hiding afterwards at home. Six-year-old Falcon Heene was finally found hiding at home. It later emerged the hoax was a bid to secure a TV deal.
It later emerged the hoax was an attempt to secure a TV deal.
Their lawyer, David Lane, said Richard Heene and his wife Mayumi have now been ordered to pay restitution for the emergency services' rescue efforts.
'Cannot afford bill'
Millions of television viewers were gripped by live coverage of the drifting weather balloon which was feared to have Falcon on board.
Falcon's parents have pleaded guilty to a number of charges and face a sentencing hearing on Wednesday.Falcon's parents have pleaded guilty to a number of charges and face a sentencing hearing on Wednesday.
Their lawyer, David Lane, said on Tuesday that Richard Heene and his wife Mayumi had been ordered to pay restitution for the emergency services' rescue efforts.
Mr Lane said the Heenes cannot afford to pay the $42,000 bill.
Sentencing hearing
Falcon's parents are due to be sentenced at a hearing in Colorado.
TV news crews in the US tracked the balloon as it landedTV news crews in the US tracked the balloon as it landed
Richard Heene has admitted attempting to influence a public servant. Mayumi Heene admits false reporting to the authorities.Richard Heene has admitted attempting to influence a public servant. Mayumi Heene admits false reporting to the authorities.
Although the charges are punishable by jail terms, it is expected they will receive probation orders.Although the charges are punishable by jail terms, it is expected they will receive probation orders.
Mr Lane said the Heenes cannot afford to pay the $42,000 bill. Millions of television viewers were gripped by live coverage of the drifting weather balloon which was feared to have Falcon on board.
Police carried out an intensive search for the boy after the balloon landed about 64km (40 miles) north of Denver and was found to be empty. Police carried out an intensive search for the boy after the balloon landed about 40 miles (64km) north of Denver and was found to be empty.
But it then transpired that the child was hiding at home and days later the couple were accused of the elaborate hoax - apparently an attempt to secure a deal for a reality TV show.But it then transpired that the child was hiding at home and days later the couple were accused of the elaborate hoax - apparently an attempt to secure a deal for a reality TV show.