Fireworks, Kids And The Law That Could Cost Parents Dearly
Parents are well versed in telling their children the dangers of fireworks, but may be surprised at the trouble they, the parents, can get into when their child puts others' safety and property in danger.
(PRWeb UK/PRWEB ) November 4, 2009 -- A recent pilot scheme by several Police Forces in England, including Essex Police and the British Transport Police, is being used this year to target these children by issuing those found using Fireworks recklessly with Penalty Notices for Disorder (PNDs) which each carry a fine of £80 for children aged 10-15 years. PNDs usually apply only to people aged 16 years and above.
For the parents Parenting Orders can also be issued to the parents by the Magistrates Court, under which the parent would then have to attend classes designed to teach parents how to communicate with and effectively control their child.
Last year, in 2008, 81% of those injured by Fireworks were under the age of 18 years old. Children playing with Fireworks are clearly the biggest instance of Fireworks incidents. The highest ever recorded number of Fireworks injuries in one week was in October 2005, where 990 people were injured in England alone.
Katy at www.legalcentre.co.uk says, “If it can be proved that your child was not just reckless but had intent to injure another, the penalties on both parent and child can be considerable with a PND for the child and a Parenting Order for the parent.”
For those over 16 years of age the penalties for injuring or causing damage with fireworks include a maximum fine of £5000 and/or a prison sentence of 6 months. The most common penalties for minor fireworks offences are PNDs which include an £80 fine.
Children owe a duty of care to those around them. Irresponsible behaviour with fireworks by children could give anyone injured a right to claim civil damages of a compensatory amount, which could prove detrimental to families finances over the Christmas period in the current financial climate.
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See the original story at: http://uk.prweb.com/releases/2009/11/prweb3151604.htm
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