Daniel Trevor Nelson (17) appeared in the Alexandra District Court and admitted injuring a 16-year-old boy with reckless disregard and a Crimes Act assault on a 15-year-old girl, at parties late last year. The male victim was left with two burn scars, known as ''smileys'', on his face and the girl received a similar scar on her upper thigh. '
'The summary of facts makes disturbing reading ... disfiguring people is not good and I need full reports for this,'' Judge Paul said, remanding Nelson for sentencing on April 4. The facts summary said the victims were both in the same social circle as Nelson. At one party, the male victim had fallen asleep in a chair after consuming half a bottle of gin. Nelson, who had also been drinking, ''repeatedly pressed the hot metal section of the lighter into the victim's face''.
The burn caused the victim to wake up. However, due to his intoxication, he was not fully aware of what had happened and left the party soon after. The following morning, the boy woke up ''feeling sore'' but was not fully aware of his injuries until they were noticed by a family member, who administered first aid. No medical assessment was carried out, the summary said. The boy received two U-shaped scars to his lower right cheek, which were ''still evident and possibly now permanent''.
Nelson also pushed the hot metal section of his lighter on to the girl's thigh, during a party. She pulled away and confronted him, the facts summary said.
''Other female party-goers became aware of what had occurred and the defendant was ejected from the party.''
Her scar was only now fading. When questioned by police, Nelson admitted burning the youth and said the scar was known as a ''smiley'', as it resembled a smiley face.
He originally denied burning the girl with his cigarette lighter, saying she ''brushed up against'' his cigarette.
