Yorkshire Yankee - in these 'enlightened times' it is still easier to be accepted for being gay than for being mentally ill. My office (until recently) had an openly gay employee who was accepted by all but the most hard headed (and incidentally oldest member, but he objects to everything post 1945 on principle). The gay employee was devious, malicious and dishonest but accepted by all, included in all activities, social or otherwise and his lack of output ignored.

Two members of the same office have mental health problems leading to them taking some time off sick. These two members have been treated almost as lepers since their return, with one being victimised for allegedly doing no work and the other being isolated. Both are excluded from the majority of team social events, shunted about the office, discussed behind their backs and made to feel unwanted, unsupported and useless, despite being reasonable, honest workers.

I have no doubt that this chap Svend is more concerned with being mentally unwell than with his being gay. However,having said that, there is still no excuse for theft. There are defences but not excuses.

LTS