Aero Leather Clothing trial update

[HoosierDaddy]

It's difficult to understand how acting so aggressive and confrontational will solve anything. On the other hand, informing others and exposing past discrepancies, such as Superfluous's detective work provided, does come across as very beneficial. Posted factual information really can't be disputed..but a vigorously pointed attack can, most likely, only result in a closed thread.

 

[AdeeC]

I think it's presumptious and inappropriate to make any assumptions about how the Calders should feel, really. It's one thing to feel horror at reading something, another to have to live it.

At sentencing did WL have anything to say? Did he still maintain innocence or offer an apology? Or was he just led away?

 

[Superfluous]

Yet again, I find myself disagreeing with certain of the naysayers who challenge the propriety of this thread. Contrary to their hyperbolic assertions, this thread is not a witch-hunt, nor a public stoning. Most importantly, this thread is not a departure from the decorum and civility that prevailed during the Golden Era. Rather, this thread is: (1) an exploration of events which directly affected and impacted the membership of this forum, and continue to do so; and (2) a search for the truth, which necessitates inquiry into dishonest and/or disingenuous statements and conduct. In order to discuss criminality, search for the truth, and ferret out the lies, one must speak frankly (in contrast to the dishonesty that is being discussed and exposed). There has been much frank discussion in this thread. However, with very few exceptions, the frank discussion has remained civil and respectful. Yes, we have condemned criminality and its perpetrators, exposed lies, and called a spade a spade. In the context of the subject matter at issue, the foregoing is entirely appropriate, warranted and within the bounds of etiquette.

“Let the first act of every morning be to make the following resolve for the day: . . . I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

 

[nick123]

Yet again, I find myself disagreeing with certain of the naysayers who challenge the propriety of this thread. Contrary to their hyperbolic assertions, this thread is not a witch-hunt, nor a public stoning. Most importantly, this thread is not a departure from the decorum and civility that prevailed during the Golden Era. Rather, this thread is: (1) an exploration of events which directly affected and impacted the membership of this forum, and continue to do so; and (2) a search for the truth, which necessitates inquiry into dishonest and/or disingenuous statements and conduct. In order to discuss criminality, search for the truth, and ferret out the lies, one must speak frankly (in contrast to the dishonesty that is being discussed and exposed). There has been much frank discussion in this thread. However, with very few exceptions, the frank discussion has remained civil and respectful. Yes, we have condemned criminality and its perpetrators, exposed lies, and called a spade a spade. In the context of the subject matter at issue, the foregoing is entirely appropriate, warranted and within the bounds of etiquette.

“Let the first act of every morning be to make the following resolve for the day: . . . I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering.”
― Mahatma Gandhi

I started it. With the furthest of my intentions being to take away from the tragic loss suffered by Aero. I mean that with every living cell in my body. However, when I saw the comments and later the comments directed at WL or his possible family members, I too felt that they were crossing the line of decency, and had a cruel and insensitive tone about them. That's all. I realize now by having expressed my feelings about them, they could be interpreted as catering to the guilty party and disregarding the true victim's toil. But that was never the case. I just reacted to what I felt were people crossing the line, almost parading around someone's situation, a situation which is very much deserved on his end. I'm just not one to do that to anyone, even my worst enemies. That's my line of standards, not necessarily everyone else's. I made the error of trying to call a few out for their comments, when I really should have just voiced my lone opinion and left it at that.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

From my perspective there is only one guilty party with a few greedy cohorts at the ready to back his aspirations and come in for the kill. Of course these actions affected a lot of people. Many innocent and then perhaps some others involved..not so much. Regardless of opinions posted here, the true insensitivity lies exactly where most of us are pointing the blame. The responses to those deliberate deeds are not only of sadness but of anger as well. It should be more than obvious who actually crossed the line.
HD

 

[Superfluous]

From my perspective there is only one guilty party with a few greedy cohorts at the ready to back his aspirations and come in for the kill. Of course these actions affected a lot of people. Many innocent and then perhaps some others involved..not so much. Regardless of opinions posted here, the true insensitivity lies exactly where most of us are pointing the blame. The responses to those deliberate deeds are not only of sadness but of anger as well. It should be more than obvious who actually crossed the line.
HD

Ding ding ding!!!

 

[Two Types]

I've been reading this thread since it started. I read it as an absolutely impartial observer who has virtually no interest in leather jackets and, as such, I am highly unlikely to ever buy from any of the parties involved.

As an observer I find it curious that arguments are even taking place. I don't think anything particularly unfair has been said (although I, for one, found Paddy's early comments rather unexpected). What this tells me is that you lot are really ****** passionate about leather jackets! Maybe you care too much and you are arguing about points that really don't need to be argued about now that the case is over.

Justice has been done, so please get back to celebrating the jackets you all love (and discussing leather and zips and all that ****** stuff) rather than going round in circles about who has said what.

These arguments won't help Aero get over these difficult times, but getting on their website and supporting them by buying something might help soften the blow!

 

[Big J]

I've been reading this thread since it started. I read it as an absolutely impartial observer who has virtually no interest in leather jackets and, as such, I am highly unlikely to ever buy from any of the parties involved.

As an observer I find it curious that arguments are even taking place. I don't think anything particularly unfair has been said (although I, for one, found Paddy's early comments rather unexpected). What this tells me is that you lot are really ****** passionate about leather jackets! Maybe you care too much and you are arguing about points that really don't need to be argued about now that the case is over.

Justice has been done, so please get back to celebrating the jackets you all love (and discussing leather and zips and all that ****** stuff) rather than going round in circles about who has said what.

These arguments won't help Aero get over these difficult times, but getting on their website and supporting them by buying something might help soften the blow!

I agree.
Superfluous has got this whole thing straight IMHO. In with him in this.

 

[Sloan1874]

Adeec, WL didn't say anything. It was his defence who told the sheriff that he insisted that he was innocent - I doubt that helped the length of his sentence. Just to push the discussion on, or at least away, a bit into something a little more interesting, here are a few pics of some of the haul - the boxes are jeans.

 

[AdeeC]

Adeec, WL didn't say anything. It was his defence who told the sheriff that he insisted that he was innocent - I doubt that helped the length of his sentence. Just to push the discussion on, or at least away, a bit into something a little more interesting, here are a few pics of some of the haul - the boxes are jeans.

View attachment 30309

View attachment 30310

View attachment 30311

Thanks, defiant and unrepentant to the end it appears.

 

[Sloan1874]

Yes, despite the weight of evidence to the contrary. I find it hard to fathom. [huh]

 

[Edward]

I suppose suddenly coming over all sorry at that late stage wouldn't have helped any either. Even a guilty plea suddenly entered right as a trial begind can ire a judge who is apt to consider that it should have been entered from the off, rather than wasting everyone's time preparing for a trial. Add in loss of face, and you can start to build a picture. Given the seriousness of the crime, I suspect a custodial sentence was never going to be in question (had it not been a first conviction, I think we'd have seen something much closer to the maximum three years than three months shy of two years). Hard to imagine a guilty plea wouldn't have resulted in a substantially shorter sentence by quite a few months, though.

It'll be interesting to see what comes up in the sale, though it sounds like it's all going to be smaller than I would require. The photos do really start to bring home justg how much stuff was involved.

TwoTypes: just don't mention your Tom of Finland collection, eh?

 

[Sloan1874]

Empty your in-box, Ed!

 

[mattp]

Is that the stuff that was stored at Aero, or are all the patterns in the background part of the haul? I thought they had been returned prior to the raid.

 

[Sloan1874]

It's the stuff that was stolen stored at Aero. Those are just patterns, I think. There are hundreds of them, so they have to go somewhere.

 

[AdeeC]

I suppose suddenly coming over all sorry at that late stage wouldn't have helped any either. Even a guilty plea suddenly entered right as a trial begind can ire a judge who is apt to consider that it should have been entered from the off, rather than wasting everyone's time preparing for a trial. Add in loss of face, and you can start to build a picture. Given the seriousness of the crime, I suspect a custodial sentence was never going to be in question (had it not been a first conviction, I think we'd have seen something much closer to the maximum three years than three months shy of two years). Hard to imagine a guilty plea wouldn't have resulted in a substantially shorter sentence by quite a few months, though.

It'll be interesting to see what comes up in the sale, though it sounds like it's all going to be smaller than I would require. The photos do really start to bring home justg how much stuff was involved.

TwoTypes: just don't mention your Tom of Finland collection, eh?

That's makes sense, he probably had little to lose. But in the long run if he admitted at least making mistakes it would be more helpful for him. Would find it hard to regain trust if he tries to come back to the business.

 

[Sloan1874]

Looking at those pics I suddenly have hankering for an Anj-4...

 

[Edward]

Lovely jacket, the Aero ANJ-4. Beautiful plumage.

 

[IXL]

Yes, despite the weight of evidence to the contrary. I find it hard to fathom. [huh]

I don't. Having been in court many times with convicted criminals, I find this defiant behavior actually rather common. I feel it speaks volumes about those convicted.

 

[xOUTLAWx]

This thread is quite an interesting read on small business drama. Including all kind of tfl orwellian level stuff.

Yeah, but in Japan the bow would have been the end of it. No prosecutions, no compensation. Take it from me, bows, tears, and 'I'll do better from now on', are a pretty easy get out of jail, and nothing changes.

The president of the power company that runs Fukushima, left the office sick when news of the disaster happened, and flew to the other end of the country for a couple of months. One teary bow, and 'I'm sorry, there is no excuse', and to this day not one person charged, despite admitting that they were aware of safety failures but didn't take action so as not to cause alarm.
Our way is better.

Yeah I fully agree. Moral hypocrisy is part of the culture.

Peoples Watch Hollywood movies like The last samurai and they slurp every stereotypes about japan and want to beleve their culture and country is so mutch ahead of the west. (blame the japanophiles too) In fact don't scratch the surface or you will be deceved. Like many part of the world.