A 54-year-old woman who took and damaged a neighbour’s boat has been ordered to pay $7,500 in compensation. Mary-Beth Sherwin pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court yesterday to taking the boat without permission. The court heard that Sean Kelly, the boat’s owner, reported to police that the 16-foot skiff was missing from the Hinson Island ferry dock.The damaged boat was found later that day tied up alongside a house on Tribe Road No. 6, Paget. The incident happened on March 3 last year. Police went to the house and spoke to a witness who said that he had assisted Sherwin with the boat the night before. Sherwin, who lives on Hinson Island, Paget, was arrested by police on March 11. But it was decided while Sherwin was in custody that she needed medical treatment and she was taken to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.Sherwin admitted to police during an interview a few days later that she had taken the boat. She said: “I needed to leave the island because I had jobs the next day.” Damage to the boat was estimated at about $8,150. Acting Puisne Judge Juan Wolffe also ordered reports on Sherwin. Sherwin was released on bail and the case was adjourned until February 3 next year.• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding criminal court cases. This is to prevent any statements being published that may jeopardise the outcome of that case.