US parents 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.

谎称自己儿子随一个氦气球在空中漂浮并造成公众警戒的一对美国夫妇被要求赔偿42000美元营救费用。

Falcon¹ Heene was never in the balloon and was found hiding at home" width="226" height="170" src="/upimg/091223/4_033132_1.jpg" />
Falcon Heene was never in the balloon and was found hiding at home

The Colorado科罗拉多州 couple reported in October that their young son had been carried away by the balloon - whose progress was then tracked by news organisations.

Six-year-old Falcon Heene's disappearance² became a media drama, but he was found hiding afterwards at home.

It later emerged the hoax³恶作剧，骗局 was an attempt to secure a TV deal.

Their lawyer, David Lane, said Richard Heene and his wife Mayumi have now been ordered to pay restitution⁴归还，赔偿 for the emergency services' rescue efforts.

'Cannot afford bill'

Millions of television viewers were gripped by live coverage⁵ of the drifting weather balloon which was feared to have Falcon on board.

Falcon's parents have pleaded guilty to a number of charges and face a sentencing hearing on Wednesday.

Richard Heene has admitted attempting to influence a public servant. Mayumi Heene admits false reporting to the authorities.

Although the charges are punishable by jail terms, it is expected they will receive probation⁶缓刑 orders.

Mr Lane said the Heenes cannot afford to pay the $42,000 bill.

Police carried out an intensive search for the boy after the balloon landed about 64km (40 miles) north of Denver and was found to be empty.

But it then transpired蒸发，泄露 that the child was hiding at home and days later the couple were accused of the elaborate煞费苦心的 hoax - apparently⁸ an attempt to secure a deal for a reality TV show.