I own an engineering company with staff doing jobs similar to Barrys.

If one of them stole 100Ks worth of gear/manpower I would be mad and I would want them punished - but personally I would not want them to spend a year in prison and subsequently whilst they are down I wouldnt persue further action against them for libel.

But thats just me. If they offered to repay the money plus some fine I would be content with that. To me any more than that is more like seaking revenge rather than justice.

But thats me. I actually dont know what to think about this afair. I just think its very sad that it got this far.