I have to say I respected Svend for years, although I may not have always agreed with his politics. He was, I believe one of the first elected representatives in North America (or anywhere) to come out in the late 80's, and he always fought for the little guy.

Even though he confessed and admitted to taking the ring - he tries to make it sound as if it was an act of 'momentary irrationality' caused by stress of a 'recent near fatal hiking accident'. Well, it turns out that the near fatal 'recent' incident was in 1997 (seven years ago) and the momentary irrationality sounds like some kind of temporary insanity defence, which to me reeks of trying to avoid taking personal responsibility for his actions. He only tried to contact the owners and police after the auction house complained to the police and the irrefutable video evidence was shown to him.
(It would be interesting if a reporter had asked whether that is the first time that happened or if there were other 'irrational' stress induced moments of kleptomania.)

I think its a pretty safe bet that, if a regular non-elected citizen
were caught shoplifting - they wouldnt get off with dropped charges, paid medical leave.
His public embarrassment and loss of career is a form of punishment though, and he will have a comfy pension.

I find it hypocritical given that the NDP came down hard on premier Gordon Campbell after his drinking and driving incident in Maui, and now its outpouring of sympathy for Svend as if this is some moment of temporary insanity. (btw I dont support Campbells politics either)