Two men who damaged a boat in Ramsey harbour have been fined by magistrates.
Gavin Oates, 32, and Thomas Holmes, 36, both of Ramsey admitted damaging the boat on a night out in July.
The court heard that at 12:10am on July 31 a witness saw two men climb onto a boat in Ramsey Harbour and heard them throw off ropes and start the engine.
As the tide was out, the boat was grounded on the riverbed.
The witness observed the men trying to tilt the boat before getting off it and leaving the area.
When the police arrived at about 12:40am, they found the men nearby and detained both of them.
Key
On inspection, they found the key of the boat had been snapped in the ignition and it proved difficult to kill the engine.
When the owner arrived, the confirmed the men did not have permission to go on his boat.
He later confirmed its propeller had been damaged, as had the water cooling system.
Overall, it was said these had cost £798.54 to fix.
Sorry
Representing Homes, advocate Mike Jelski said he was only able to offer his client’s “sincere”deepest and sincerest apologies”, saying the men had “no intention” to damage the boat.
However, he added: “In terms of cold light of day, Mr Holmes can offer no reason for what’s gone on here.”
His sentiments were echoed by Paul Rodgers who represented Oates.
Sentencing the men, chairwoman of the bench Lisa Horton said the men had been “mindless”.
The magistrates find the men, ordered them to split the cost of the repairs and to pay £125 in court costs each, a total of £624.27 each.
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