Man denies party put public in danger

Thomas Macdonald is alleged to be behind what police called "one of those Facebook fiascos".

A Napier man allegedly behind a party described by police as a "Facebook fiasco" denies he put the public in danger.

Twenty-year-old Thomas Douglas Macdonald pleaded not guilty in the Napier District Court yesterday to endangering the safety of the public by allowing alcohol to be consumed on unlicensed premises, and to managing unlicensed premises, also known as "BME House Party Round 2," as a place where alcohol was consumed.

He was remanded to appear again on July 27.

Macdonald is the alleged organiser of a party that police called "one of those Facebook fiascos".

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They previously said the party on Rutherford Rd was advertised on Facebook with an "open invite".

Police made 15 arrests for disorderly-type offences that night.

The party was shut down about 1.30am on April 5.

At the time, locals described "a number of fights" which broke out in the surrounding area on the night of the party. A large group of young people allegedly refused to move for police, while concerned residents looked on in their dressing gowns and pyjamas.

One resident had seen a bottle being hit on someone's head.

A car belonging to Students Against Dangerous Driving, parked on nearby Kennedy Rd, was trampled on.