This is very encouraging for those who think humanity is disappearing down the plughole; it shows that the majority of humanity does not care about the innocence of anybody and only reacts to simplified slogans and headlines. Even literate Scots like Val McDermid assume this innocent man (declared innocent in law) is guilty. Of course, he lost the civil case brought by his false accuser. Not acceptable but, these days, the way it is.

Civil cases have a lower burden of proof - balance of probabilities - than criminal cases - beyond reasonable doubt - because the criminal sanctions are judged as potentially more severe (prison sentences for one). But who is to say what the accused experiences as more severe? Many may value their reputation and employability just as much as their liberty. Balance of probabilities sounds a little close to "no smoke without fire" to me...