Let's not start the same feeding frenzy going on on Facebook at present.
This is an ugly business and it really sucks that some people have potentially lost money and been stuffed around.
In this situation I need to separate the man from the business. I guess trying to save the business he built from nothing so many years ago, Stu dug himself deeper and deeper into the crap. These problems didn't arise from Stu living an extravagant life of riches and overseas holidays. There's no overseas bank account with a stash of hidden millions. Small fibs to hide other fibs...and so on and so on.
There are legal and business decisions he'll have to address in the future...none of it will be pretty.
As far as the man is concerned...I've known Stu for well over 10 years. I love him like a brother and I know he is hurting beyond anything we can comprehend. He is potentially losing his business, his home and so much more.
He has f*&ked up but it doesn't erase the awesome times we've shared, the laughs we've had and at times, the amazing service many of us have received. What he's done is stupid and foolish... not Evil (sorry couldn't resist).
Cheers
Muz