Jeff Fenech fined for stealing in 2005

Gold Coast:

Former world boxing champion Jeff Fenech was fined $674 on Thursday for stealing two designer watches from a store in Australia two years ago.

Fenech, 43, pleaded guilty in Southport District Court to one count of stealing two watches valued at $198 on December 27, 2005.

Judge Fleur Kingham said Fenech's behavior was "stupid and irrational" and fined him, but did not record a formal conviction against the boxer, who won world titles in bantamweight, junior featherweight and featherweight divisions in the 1980s.

Fenech told reporters outside the court the case had been tough on him and his family.

"I just want to get on a plane and go home and spend some quality time with my little girls and my son and my wife," Fenech said. "I've made a mistake and, hopefully, I've paid for it."

He said he hoped to be remembered for his charity work.