was given six months conditional dicharge on each.

Chester Aitken, 30, of Benny's Bay Road, admitted taking a $300 outboard engine, and a $3,000 aluminium boat.

But Magistrates' Court heard yesterday he believed the property was derelict, and had been abandoned.

Insp. Peter Duffy, prosecuting, said Aitken stole the outboard engine from Red Hole, Paget, between February 1-12.

The second offence occurred between February 25 and March 12 at Franks Bay, Southampton.

Mr. Ian Kawaley, defending, said: "This falls very narrowly over the line of criminality -- both items appeared to have been abandoned by the owner.'' Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis described Aitken's behaviour as "reckless,'' but said he would give him the benefit of the doubt.