Two men have been placed on probation after having admitted to the theft of three motors from boats which are berthed in Birżebbuga.

Willton Gatt, 19, and Aidon Degiorgio, 20, both from Żabbar, pleaded guilty to the thefts. The thefts took place between Monday and Tuesday night.

The stolen motors have been returned to their owners.

Mr Degiorgio was placed on probation for three years by Magistrate Carol Peralta. The magistrate also ordered Mr Degiorgio's parents to report their son if he engaged in another crime in future. He also said that Mr Degiorgio did not need friends like Mr Gatt.

“I do not want you seeing this man again,” he told him.

As for Mr Gatt, the magistrate told him that he already had convictions over thefts before, warning him that he was giving him a last chance, placing him on probation for three years.

Police Inspector Robert Said Sarreo prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Angie Muscat appeared for Mr Degiorgio while lawyer Matthew Bondin appeared for Mr Gatt.