“Not at all Starburst - to play Devil's advocate is not to want an argument, merely to present an alternative view of the situation that through your understandable red mist, you cannot see.

Indeed the comments and opinions of those directly affected by incidents like these are far less likely to be constructive.

Having known Dougie for over 20 years, I find this all very sad that someone who in his late teens was such vibrant character and full of life is now just a sad shell of his former self.

I have not said he shouldn't be made to pay for what he has done but I doubt that there is the financial means for this to happen.

Once the red mist has cleared and you realise that nobody has been hurt and that there's just a bunch of damaged cars that you all have insurance for then maybe you will see this is not so much about you rather a very sad story about a young man who desperately needs help.”

“I am quite capable of walking my daughter to school, or using public transport... i have done in the past.
That is not the point, the point here is that the car was OUR property that he destroyed.
The Nuclear Family, i see alot of your comments on this website and rather expressing opinions you so desperatly want to get across, i feel you are just looking for an argument by judging and putting others that you know nothing about down.”

“The thug should be made to pay all the Money back.
Then sent to Prison or Wonford house
for a few years.”

“It's not clear what you are saying Nuclear family. You appear to be suggesting that the car owners should happily take their cars down to the garage and pay for the repairs and watch douglas be given a slapped wrist and allowed to go home via the off license. Is this true ?”

“Sue/Michael/Starburst88 - I don't own a car and manage to walk my children to school.

Michael - well done on the gin. As social experiments go I believe the word "fail" springs to mind.

Its so good to see the milk of human kindness so prevalent in Exeter and that we all hold our material posessions higher up in our priorities than the physical (yes PHYSICAL Michael) and mental health of our neighbours.

Michael, if you cant move a washing machine after a bottle of gin then may I respectfully offer you the advice of applying milk to your 3 Shredded Wheat rather than Bailey's?”

“Yeah right mister nuclear family - in a poor physical state - my eye ! He managed to move a washing machine around the street in the small hours, and smash up a load of cars ! He's in fine physical form ! What a load of bogwash ! Anyhows, ive just downed a bottle of gin - would you mind telling me where your car's parked please ?”

“I feel sory for Mr Jane, why house an alcoholic in a house on Guinness Lane, have we no shame, thank the lord he did not live on Stella street or Jack daniels Road.”

“To the Nuclear Family, take a look at the picture of the car.... That is our family car, in which we take our young daughter to school.
This unprovoked act of damage is now costing ourselves and eight others along the road a great deal of money, in which we are not entitled to compensation for.
I personally know Doug, and the situation he is in, and believe me he has no one but himself to blame for that.
I know that depression is uncontrolable but there is absouloutely no excuse for what he did.
He is a disgusting vile man, so he deserves no amount of pity im afraid”

“Hmmmm - so I'm guessing, Nuclear Family, that you would be as sympathetic if it was your car that had been vandalised??”

“Whilst nobody, Jane himself would condone his behaviour - aren't you all a sympathetic bunch? I'm sure you will all play the "alcoholism is self-inflicted" card but depression, anyone who dares sit behind their keyboard and plays down the debilitating affects of depression on both the sufferer and those around them is an ass.

When someone is in such a poor physical and mental state the last thing they need is to be kicked whilst they are down by a bunch of fools.

Jane has not denied his actions, he has not denied his problems and is actively seeking help for his problems. The law will deal with his actions.

Shane from Alphington presumably also needs a good hiding for having the literacy standards of a child.

With a name like Rosie things must be looking pretty bright up there on your pedestal.

Michael, drinking at home is hardly tantamount to alcoholism. However, yes, please feel free to vandalise a street of cars just as long as you are prepared - as Mr Jane is - to face the consequences.

Finally, Jane - since when is smashing up cars petty and juvenile? Petty assumes that his actions were in spite of something and juvenile assumes that these are the actions more commonly associated with a child. I'm not sure I know too many kids who are alcoholic depressives who trash cars.

People like Dougie deserve your pity and not your judgement.”