Hertfordshire man admits public nuisance after more than 1,000 show for 21st party promoted on Facebook and Twitter

A man has admitted causing a public nuisance after more than 1,000 people turned up to his 21st birthday party which had been advertised on Twitter and Facebook.

Revellers flooded to the party, dubbed Project XXX, at Oliver Boorman's parents' home in Berricot Green, Tewin, Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

The party was advertised on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter in the days leading up to the event on September 29.

Mr Boorman's parents were on holiday at the time of the party, a Hertfordshire Police spokeswoman said.

Local residents called the police reporting concerns about the noise, numbers of people and damage to vehicles on the night of the party.

Officers were forced to close a nearby busy B-road over concerns for people's safety and revellers were also seen spilling onto Panshanger Aerodrome, the police spokeswoman said.

Boorman was handed a 12-month community order and a eight-week curfew order from 8pm to 6am after he pleaded guilty to causing public nuisance at St Albans Magistrates' Court on Friday.

He was also ordered to pay £500 compensation to Hertfordshire Constabulary and £85 costs.

Chief inspector for Welwyn Hatfield Dave Wheatley said: "Although large numbers of people confirmed their attendance before the event, Boorman made no attempt to cancel the party, despite concerns raised by local officers.

"Throughout the evening we had to draft in officers from areas as far as Watford to deal with crimes, such as damaged vehicles and thefts, as well as anti-social behaviour, and this caused significant disruption to operational policing in the county.

"We felt it right to pursue a charge of public nuisance and I am pleased Boorman acknowledged his wrong-doing and pleaded guilty.

"I hope this sentence acts as a deterrent to anyone else looking to organise such a large gathering without putting in place proper measures."

PA