but right now we have to suspend all that, remember what Mummy and Daddy said about "innocent until proven guilty", and know that regardless of the outcome he and his lot are going to be scarred and tarred for life.
Not sure I agree. The law must presume him innocent, until proven guilty. But I'll proceed according to the evidence as it comes in (as I am not his judge, not on his jury and will not be his executioner). At the very least, he's one of the most stupid people I've ever come across or the most venal. Not much in between. Certainly not a victim with what we know so far.
Of course, I feel free to modify my judgments, as the evidence comes in.