A MAN caught stealing from boats in Ocean Village in Southampton threw a drill he had stolen at one of his victims, magistrates heard.

Maciej Sulecki admitted taking items from three boats after he spent the afternoon drinking cider and beer with a friend close to the marina.

The 23-year-old was seen acting suspiciously around the boats by witness Ian McClymont who was at the marina at around 3.30pm on August 14.

Prosecutor Natalie Angel told Southampton magistrates: “Mr McClymont asked the two men where they were going and they referred to a pontoon at Ocean Village that did not exist.

“He decided to watch them and then saw Sulecki take his drill from his car and then make off with it. Mr McClymont ran after them and the drill was thrown at him by the defendant who then made his escape.”

As well as stealing the drill, Sulecki took sunglasses belonging to John Thornton, a Garmin sat-nav from Darren Mitchell’s boat and Brian Davies’ Raymarine sat-nav.

The court heard that when Sulecki was arrested he was found in possession of the stolen goods in his bag plus a knuckle duster.

Ms Angel added: “When asked about the knuckle duster he said he did not realise it was illegal .”

When Sulecki, who had no previous convictions, was asked what he intended to do with the items he had taken by officers, he replied he did not know.

The court heard that Sulecki had no previous convictions.

Representing himself, Sulecki told the court: “I want a firm sentence. I made a mistake.”

Sulecki, of Darwin Road, Southampton, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft by walk-in, theft from a motor vehicle and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

He was given a 12-month community order and must carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. He must also pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.