Vincent Spalding, 37, of Cospicua, and Jonathan Gauci, 28, of Vittoriosa, have been found guilty of stealing nine propane gas cylinders worth around €200 each from Fort Ricasoli in January 2011.

Mr Gauci was also found guilty of stealing live birds worth €1,300, also from the fort.

The birds were taken from watchman Lawrence Borg’s room, who also discovered the break in to the fort.

The two men, who were caught in the act on security cameras, admitted to breaking into the fort and opening the gate from the inside.

In handing down judgement, Magistrate Doreen Clarke took into consideration the two men’s criminal records and the fact that most of the stolen birds had been returned. She also considered a report that had been drawn up by Mr Gauci’s probation officer.

Mr Gauci was placed under a one-year probation order and given 40 hours of community service while Mr Spalding was conditionally discharged for one year.