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There have been a few assumptions about the state of people’s mental health by forum members of late. I am encouraged that an assessment can be made so quickly and without the usual rigmarole these days. (Must be the cuts) If any of the forums 'specialists' would like to come and spend some time with me at work, I imagine the diagnosis process would be so much quicker! In the mean time, I intend to allow the real specialists to make their assessments and keep my assumptions to myself, although I would suggest that the armchair specialists take a look at this, MIND The one recurring thing that I have learnt over the many years that I have worked with homeless /vulnerable people is that there is a very fine line between where you are now and where you could end up. It generally takes the loss of one thing to induce a huge shift in your life plan. Whilst I don't believe in God, there is a saying that goes something like 'There but for the grace of god go I' I welcome that sentiment. Oh, and watch out for a slightly overweight bearded bloke in Brentford, he has a penchant for ranting about anything, his feet stick out and laughs he at the moon!

And there's the issue, Carl. Anyone who takes the trouble to consult BW about this will get the answer I received when I visited them: BW do not have the enforcement personnel required to police the entire system and so they rely upon the combination of boaters firstly being socially responsible themselves and paying their bills, and secondly reporting unlicensed boats or people overstaying so BW can take the appropriate action. You have a problem with that, as I discovered to my cost last time I got involved with a discussion about it. You don't like it when others accept the responsibility BW asks of all boaters - and that is your prerogative. Hell, I'll even allow that you have every right to get sniffy about it. But that's the way it is. Evasion of boat licensing and overstaying on moorings is something the authorities ask ALL boaters to be concerned with. You don't have to like it. Just accept it.

I have a full head of hair , a slightly large stomach (although others would say other!) A GRP Cruiser (God forbid) like a drink & also I am a fisherman ! However I do pay my licence fee & object to folks cruising around without one when they could at least buy a short term licence (Last wk on the soar I saw at least 10 boats out not displaying even a receipt) But - And this will be a bone of contention to some , if I was down on my luck & had to god forbid , live on my cruiser (Not much of a life) without an engine or heating, is it really so bad not to pay a few quid for the privilege ? Yes its not right , we all pay good money to cruise but in some cases (We dont know this guys circumstances) it is just an existence - I would rather this guy live on his cruiser than in a shop doorway or even rent paid in a house with all our taxes (Maybe I should get my coat!) Having had a good friend who lived on his cruiser in a private mariner during the winter - it can be a bad existence , We eventually offered him our sofa after he risked hyperthermia , happily he now has his own house & a boat on the drive - all it took was a little charity thru the bad times. Never mind his actual mental condition this chap is probably scraping an existence , I do wonder what world we are living in that would take his home away & leave him homeless. I know this will raise issues on the forum - This is my opinion only - Right or wrong lets see a little charity , he's not really bothering anyone , would you rather he asked you for spare change in the town centre ? Sorry for spouting off

You know I think I could stand on the towpath chucking petrol bombs around and there would be someone saying "The bloke has mental issues leave him alone." If this character does behave in the manner outlined then it is only a matter of time before someone caves his head in with a mooring pin (or until he does it to someone else) and it does him no favours to abandon him to that, especially since if he really does has mental issues he will not be left alone because it's best for him or the public, but because it's best for the budget. Displays of compassionate hand wringing will not help, a proper professional engagement from the appropriate agencies might. Regardless, his human rights must be defended but so must everyone elses and if a boater innocently uses a visitor mooring finds himself abused, intimidated or assaulted then that is unnacceptable and having "issues" does not confer the right to impose such thing upon the wider public.

You seem to think it's okay to make assumptions about what I think. Why is that? I have made no comment whatsoever about anybody's responsibilities. I know as much about the bloke, as I know about you, or the OP. I make no assumptions about whether he, you or the OP are evading your responsibilities... It's none of my business. I'm too busy enjoying my own life, to go interfering in anybody else's. Happy boating

There are times when people with mental ill health are also idiots and times when idiots don't have mental ill health. Comparisons are pointless. Now the point should be that without a diagnosis this geezer is unpleasant and unnecessary, with a diagnosis his actions are unpleasant but have an explanation. Are we able to make a diagnosis on a forum? Do we even want too? In my opinion, no. If people are concerned then I suggest a call to the local CMHT or if there is real concern the police (usually the easiest way to get an assessment) If there is no real concern then live and let live, life is full of characters and richer for it. The other more interesting argument seems to be ‘why should he get away with it when I don’t’ Fair enough if that is how people wish to worry themselves, I for one have better things to concern myself with! ETA: except to make comment on a forum! No need to ignor you, but I retain the right to comment until told otherwise by the powers that be. Also, your opinion is as valid as mine, I will always defend the rights of people who suffer from mental ill health and or duel diagnosis, they are on the bottom of the heap when it comes to accessing services and need all of the support they can get.Your opening comment was enough to raise my eyebrow! but hey, it is a discussion forum!

I was down at Tixall a year or so back when he was there just before his boat went down. He was arrested for asaulting a couple of boaters who tried to moor up next to him on the Wide. Very unpleasant bloke indeed - personally I don;t care if he was mentally ill or just an idiot, but I don't see why he should clog up the limited moorings that are available when he maks no contribution apart from disruption.