A man has told a court a disastrous music festival spiralled him into debt and he will struggle to pay any fine imposed on him.
The managing director of the Live at the Zoo festival held at Monarto Zoo is facing proceedings in Adelaide.
Peter Rowe and his company Avalon Events are being prosecuted for breaches of the liquor licensing laws in light of problems at the event, near Murray Bridge, a year ago.
The licensing court heard there were significant breaches of the liquor act and substantial safety risks.
It heard cars were driven over tents and alcohol was consumed in prohibited areas.
At the time, ambulance officials said at least four people were taken to hospital due to suspected ecstasy overdoses.
A headline band was axed after the crowd surged through a security fence.
Rowe told the court his company was in voluntary administration and he personally had lost more than $700,000.
The judge will rule on a penalty later in the month.
