Teen facing court over soccer flare up

A LILYDALE teenager will face the Children’s Court after lighting a flare in the city earlier this week.
On Tuesday 26 January, the 17-year-old Lilydale boy is believed to have discharged a flare while in a crowd on the steps of the Southern Cross Railway Station, before a soccer match between Melbourne Victory and Sydney City.
He was charged with conduct endangering persons, possession of a flare and throwing a flare, and was bailed to appear at a Children’s Court at a later date.
Acting Superintendent Peter Ward said flares were for emergency use only as they burned at more than 1000 degrees Celsius and could cause injury.
He said those who let off flares were risking other people’s lives and their own, and that there were heavy penalties for using one in a non-emergency situation.
“Charges like conduct endangering life, injury or persons are the types of charges that remain with you for life,” Act Supt Ward said.
“These offences attract significant penalties, including terms of imprisonment, and can potentially restrict your employment prospects and overseas travel.”