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 their son had been carried away by the balloon - causing a media drama.
Six-year-old Falcon Heene was finally found hiding at home. It later emerged the hoax was a bid to secure a TV deal.
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.
US 'balloon boy' parents must pay $42,000 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 their son had been carried away by the balloon - causing a media drama.
Six-year-old Falcon Heene was finally found hiding at home. It later emerged the hoax was a bid to secure a TV deal.
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.
