Two men were placed on probation this afternoon after admitting to the theft of three motors from boats berthed in Birżebbuga.

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

Magistrate Carol Peralta heard how the stolen motors had been returned to their owners.

Magistrate Peralta placed Mr Degiorgio on probation for three years and ordered his parents to report their son reoffends. He told him he still had a clean conduct sheet and that he did not need friends like Mr Gatt.

“I do not want you seeing this man again,” he told him, “it is because of people like him that you start living as a criminal.”

Turning to Mr Gatt, the magistrate told him that he had previous convictions for theft and this was his last chance.

“You’re on the wrong path. I am giving you a chance. Now it is up to you whether to take it or not. This is your opportunity to reform,” he told the man as he placed him on probation for three years.