reggiespotter,
Defending what you call "the indefensible" is easy. At the time I was running a union, and all my members are innocent until proven guilty. If you care to read my posts on this subject, you may notice that I want proof.
Maybe at some time in your life you, too, will want the burden of proof to be on your accuser. Technicalities are not the issue - prove your accusations or withdraw them. No ifs, buts or maybes.
It is sometimes a real disappointment to see how ready some people are to try and convict people on the basis of rumour for something of which they may well be innocent.
Just to recap - There is no excusing theft, but before I convict someone I must have proof. You know, that stuff that will stand up in court - not what you think, what you can prove.