Madeleine McCann: Watching The Parents
MORE no news on the Madeleine McCann case.
It is now a week since the three-year-old girl was snatched from a Portugal holiday resort.
The story has been distressing to watch on our TV screens. What it must like for the parents of Madeleine only a few can know.
BLAME
But their misery is far from complete. With no news of Madeleine, and the Portuguese police having no need to indulge the British tabloids with speculation and theory, Madeleine’s parents are the central characters.
And today’s front-page news, as reported by the caring Mirror, is: “THEY KNOW LEAVING KIDS WAS WRONG.”
Does the Mirror mean to say that Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry, now think they did the wrong thing in nipping out for a bite to eat and leaving the children in the apartment on what they thought was a secure resort?
Does the Mirror mean that the McCanns know that popping back regularly to look at their children and checking on their well being was less than perfect?
Does the Mirror mean that the McCanns realise they should not have left their children alone, just like it is wrong to leave a child in a hotel under the auspices of a baby monitoring service, to leave a child in the car while mum goes to pay for petrol, to talk to a neighbour over a garden fence while the children are indoors?
Of course this is not the Mirror’s view. Oh, no. This is Madeleine’s grandmother, Susan Healy, saying: “They know this was a mistake. But it wasn’t child neglect, it wasn’t not caring for your children.”
That she feels the need to say this is wrong. That the Mirror can lead with Madeleine’s grief-worn parents is pathetic and misguided. That the paper can talk of “people are asking why they didn’t make use of the crèche” at the resort or take the children out to dinner with them is wrong.
But the Mirror has news to write. And the police aren’t playing the game.
THEORIES
So the Mirror produces: “THE 6 THEORIES.”
Only six! Why this cautious approach? But it is all the Mirror has. And readers hear of the “PAEDOPHILE GANG”, the “LONE PAEDOPHILE”, the “JEALOUS MOTHER”, Madeleine wandering off and “DROWNED”, the “OPPORTUNIST PAEDOPHILE”, the “CHILDLESS COUPLE”.
But the Sun has more. It has 130 more. As the front-page headline screams: “MADDIE COPS HUNT 130 BRIT PAEDOS.”
The paper says “at least” 130 British paedophiles “might” have taken Madeleine McCann.
In “ALGARVE IS ‘HAVEN’ FOR PERVS”, readers learn that Portugal is a “magnet for sun-seeking perverts from Britain and the rest of Europe”.
Who knew that perverts get off on watching children at the beach?
Us And Them
But help is on its way. The Sun lists the British coppers who will go out there and see to it that justice is done. We, says the paper, are the only country with a sex offenders’ register.
All convicted perverts must inform the police of their desire to go abroad. At least 130 have. And the police are looking for them.
But – and whisper this – might it be that convicted sexual deviants don’t all tell the police what they plan to do? They are not monitored while overseas. And might it be that not all sexual predators are caught and make it to the list?
Among the policemans’ names is Detective Superintendent Graham Hill, attached to theChild Exploitation and Protection Centre. Hill is on the case. He has flown to Portugal.
Hill worked on the case of Milly Dowler. She was snatched from near Walton railway station, Surrey, in 2002. Her body was found six months later. Her killer or killers have never been caught.
Perhaps Hill’s experiences can help. Perhaps he’ll have more luck. Perhaps not.
Meanwhile, a family is distraught, and bearing up incredibly well under the strain and the merciless gaze of the newspapers…
Posted: 10th, May 2007 | In: Madeleine McCann Comments (2,260) | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed: RSS 2.0 | TrackBack | Permalink
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August 23rd, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Having watched the McCanns courting the press for 110 days, I have to say that Gerry McCann looks more and more guilty every day. The smiles and the waving are all very sickening to see, completly abnormal behaviour under the circumstances. Something is not true about this abduction story, there appears to be many flaws in this theory. The McCanns fellow diners that night, if they truely sit and think about things, may remember a time when one of the parents were away from the table a little longer than previous times. Something is being covered up, maybe they are sticking together on this one or maybe they were very merry with booze they cannot remember times etc… The police should re-look at the McCanns again and not look for a scapegoat. Is it true that when Gerry visited the U.K in May he lost his wallet and passport? How very convienent, maybe he did not want to return to Portugal, wonder why? Hopefully forensic psychologists were watching his behaviour during that time. If the McCanns do come back to the U.K they should have their medical license revoked as I can’t imagine anyone taking them seriously after this, they are guilty of gross negligence if nothing else. Another question regarding the abduction theory, why take one child when they could take three? Or why did they choose to take a conversant three year old when they could abduct younger children who would forget far sooner and adapt to a new situation far quicker?
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:16 pm
why are the parents being told to stay in portugal? perhaps the police dont want their hand forced by arresting them but dont want them to go back to england? It seems strange.
I try to be aware when i am out and about and if i see anything happening to a child that seems wrong i take note. Once i found a five year old wandering in london. turned out she had ran off from her dad and was lost. I stood with her until a police car went by and flagged them down. But everyone else on busy street just ignored her. I remember the james bulger case and the old lady who saw the boys dragging the little toddler down the rd. she questioned them and they said they weere taking him to the police station. unfortunately they were taking him to kill him. If that had been me i would have, i hope, followed or taken control of the situation. we all have a duty to be vigilant.
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:05 pm
Ok say what i mean………. True i should
I think that if the McCanns had of thought about this Happening then they wouldnt have done it, So Yes they were wrong Not stupid not nieve even but Wrong.
They are not abusive or a Danger to thier other 2 children and they are or were negligent in the care of Madeleine, but they are not neglecting the other 2 twins and do not deserve to have them taken away.
What right do any of you who are there saying they killed her (have you got proof) or they are doing it all for fund money.
The fact is noone not even the McCanns are being told the full story they dont give out all of the details of the case, its an ongoing case and all you are doing is raking through the tabloids and making up stories of your own.
How often have the news papers always told the truth when all the facts are not present.
So maybe i am what you call putting on a caring do gooder farcade but at least i am not trying to be a detective and making up stories that are not only damaging but also very hurtful to people.
August 23rd, 2007 at 6:31 pm
1291 Angie. If I left my child in the bath for 5 minutes and came back to find her drowned I would feel guilt but would not, depending on the age of child, be blamed for negligence. Most if not all parents leave their children in the bath to play when they reach a certain age.
Most parents do not leave their 3 children under the age of 4 in an apartment in a strange country while they go out on the pop with mates. Thats the difference.
Angie. You obviously have no children of your own so I will accept that you cannot see things quite as clearly as someone who has. ‘A person’ needs to say what they really mean rather than putting on some caring do gooder facade. Makes me sick. I find Darryl with his idiotic one line infinately more readable.
August 23rd, 2007 at 10:25 am
The parents killed her
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:58 am
I understand what your saying saddened it is not saying what they done is right but what they done by leaving her and the twins alone was wrong but whats happened cannot be changed and now they and Madelein are suffering(if that poor little child is still alive) but blaming the parents and showing all of this awful hate for them isnt going to help the child or any other child like her.
This is why this case is so shocking none would have thought this could happen yes an accident or a fire but not this. I really dont think anyone can get thier heads around the fact that she was abducted because it sounds so unbelievable.
They havnt hurt her or done all of this as a scam they are just ordinary people who were stupid enough to believe it would be ok and it wasnt.
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:43 am
Frankly, it’s fairly amazing that most children grow up at all, if you believe the tabloid press. And I am not talking about padeophiles / abductors - the most unlikely of threats to kids. Mine are in their very early 20s and are quite happy to tell me about the dreadful (but thrilling) situations they found themselves in, due to my determination to give them freedom, and the sort of childhood I enjoyed decades ago. They just laugh at these situations - and I nearly expire from guilt. And yet .. I never left them alone at night, or indeed, until they were very much older than Madeleine. And yet …. they are still here, so far. I have to say that they still take chances which I deplore, and I still worry about their propensity for danger. But they are adult, happy, and can assess risk (I hope). I no longer have any role, except to worry - sometimes, desperately.
But I really wouldn’t have it any other way; despite the possibility of accident, their demise, and my terminal guilt. You have to let children go.
Whatever the McCann’s bad decision, it really was extraordinary that Madeleine disappeared. OK - they may have to pay a price ultimately, but it still is extremely unusual that she disappeared. And the PJ? What is their role in this sorry saga? Willing, but probably unable.
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:41 am
[...] Tabloids - John Smeaton Packs A Punch In Glasgow - Terrorism In The UK: Doctors Of Death And A Glasgow Elbow - Madeleine McCann, Toscano, Malta And Going Equipped - Madeleine McCann’s Wearside Jack And Toscano’s Suspect - Madeleine McCann: Crimewatch And Just Another Day - Madeleine McCann: Blown Out Of All Proportion - Madeleine McCann: The Full Picture - Madeleine McCann: Robert Murat And More Questions - Madeleine McCann: Watching The Parents [...]
August 23rd, 2007 at 8:23 am
I my gosh Alice, I cannot believe you are comparing a burglar with a broken leg suffering to that of the McCann’s - WOW you sure are a sympathetic person aren’t you. What the McCann’s did was wrong yes, BUT if they had any idea what trauma their actions would lead to, they would never have left those children alone for one moment. If your young child unattended in a bath of water for five minutes and that child drowns, the pain and suffering from the guilt you will feel will live with you for the rest of your life - punishment enough dont you think? Someone intentionally breaks into your home and steals something knows exactly what the consequences are and they deserve what they get. I can guarantee the McCanns would rather be sitting in jail for child neglect and know exactly where Madeleine is than be sitting in a hotel room in Portugal eating a slap up meal and not knowing where she is.
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:54 am
i am not with out sin and am not casting stones have made loads of mistakes with my own kids but there is something that doesnt add up about this case and alot of folks realise it. Most murdered children are murdered by their parents. it could have been an awful accident or telling off that went too far. Families may look normal on outside but there may be alot going on.
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:40 am
John O
May I then join in support of the McCanns as they go through an everyday living hell that smug self satisfied parents who never ever put a foot wrong dont have to. Having been through the sheer agony of losing my child only to death and not the sheer nightmare of disapearance without any closure at all, Im in no rush to clap my hands in glee at their predicament, as I said earlier in the thread I feel for them,I didnt like them going to see the Pope and leaving the yyounger ones but the loss of their child will haunt them every single day and no judge anywhere could harm them more than they themselves have done by being so foolish……when you have lost one of your own, John, you wont want to judge these people.
“He who is without sin” as they say!
August 23rd, 2007 at 2:08 am
Whenever there is a mention of a case against the parents for child neglect - so many rise up and say “they have suffered enough” WHAT - ?? Just imagine if you had an intruder in your house - after robbing you of all your valuables - on the way out he falls downstairs and breaks his leg. What do you say to the police? “Never mind, dont prosecute him - he has suffered enough”?? NONE of IT.
August 23rd, 2007 at 12:00 am
Not since Angie at 1271 have we had a vote of support for Gerry and Kate. Well done all, we are waking up. I look forward to the new developments which, if we are to believe the media, is only a matter of days away. We are crying out for the return of Madeline knowing that this is less and less likely with every passing day. Failing this, we need to hear the truth, the motives, and know that the person(s) responsible are locked away.
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Saddened - this is from my earlier posting - ‘A number of people have debated the rights and wrongs of leaving children alone. Here is what the law has to say on the matter’.
The Children’s Act 1989 (recently amended) ‘parental responsibility’ 3. -(1) In this Act “parental responsibility” means all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of child has in relation to the child and his property.
Whilst UK law does not have an age limit at which a child can be left alone the
Children and Young Person’s Act 1933 says - a parent can be prosecuted if they leave a child alone or unsupervised “in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health”.
One of the definitions of abuse (as taken from the NSPCC website) - ‘left in unsafe situations or without medical attention’.
One of the signs of neglect is - if they (child) are regularly left alone, or in charge of younger brothers or sisters.
Endangering a child is grounds for an abuse case given the right circumstances, whether is is neglect, physical, emotional or sexual- if it fits with the definitions and criteria and there is evidence.
We live in a far from perfect world were children are harmed at the hands of adults or even other children (Jamie Bulger) hence the guidelines and laws to protect children. If we pick and choose who these guidelines and laws relate to, we may as rip them up. The law works on precedence.
This event has not come to the courts, so there isn’t a case to draw upon, but people can quite rightly say that their children are being placed in care or under supervision because they were left unsafe and unattended, and yet others who did the same thing appear in the public eye to get away with it.
Would I wish losing a child on anyone, no. Could I condone behaviour that knowingly puts a child at risk, no.
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:01 pm
I can hardly believe that people are citing the McCanns to get themselves out of child abuse charges (Post 1277). Doomed to failure, I’d have thought - after all, poor Madeleine is 99% certain dead, but it’s too early in this case to bring endangerment charges. For others though, with a grim but different outcome, it would be a fairly paltry defence. (There is a difference between child abuse and child endangerment).
It’s useless to keep debating the parents’ responsibility. I never left mine, but I feel for the McCann’s because they have paid a price the rest of us haven’t, whether parental saints or just lucky sinners. Doesn’t mean I don’t think they should be held culpable eventually.
I don’t believe there is a breakthough imminent, though it would be good to think there was, whatever the outcome. I think the PJ have just started again from square one, hoping to uncover some inconsistency in the witness statements that gives them a break. Some hope, when nobody really remembers what happened because they never thought they’d be required to. I read that the PJ think they know the beginning and the end (so do we all - she died and disappeared on that night) but not the who or why … which sounds a fairly fundamental requirement for a prosecution to me. Someone high up in the PJ even mentioned Poirot, it seems … a fictional detective from the non-forensic 1930s … which hardly inspires confidence.
But I feel for the PJ too. They just don’t have the experience, for reasons either good (no padophilia in Portugal) or bad (it’s there but just ignored). But they’ll never have this excuse again, and will have to catch up with their procedures. They said innocently that they relied on the UK because it has the world’s best databases….
Do you like living in the most surveyed and monitored country in the world?
August 22nd, 2007 at 11:22 am
No, A Person, I am sure they ‘accidentally’ went out for a meal, leaving the kids asleep in bed, the way people leave their mobile phone on the bedside locker, then realise they have forgotten it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was sarcasm by the way!!!!!!!
Do not be so naive! The furthest thing from the parents minds was that something awful would befall one of their children, but they were the authors of her situation and created the scenario in which it happened….she wasn’t left behind (with the two year old twins) without some thought!!!!!!!!!!
I cannot think like the McCanns, John O as I could never imagine deciding to go out for a pleasant meal with mates and leave three children under 4 behind, with a three year old in charge. I have been on holiday and managed to have a great time with small children under 5 without having to resort to that. They came first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a partner, but he worked away a lot when my two kids were very small, and we were living away from family and friends, no support network. Not once did I resort to leaving them alone to slip out.
No saint, just sensible and I give a damn about the safety of my children. I cannot believe that there are people who have this holier than thou attitude to the McCanns, elivating them to sad victims, and anyone who dares to speak the truth is some kind of evil. The McCanns did not make a mistake, they made a fatal decision, they had choices, they made the wrong one despite being highly trained people who should know better.
And if my rant condemns me to the ranks of evil, I will gladly go because I will stick by my principles.
August 22nd, 2007 at 9:51 am
[...] Tabloids - John Smeaton Packs A Punch In Glasgow - Terrorism In The UK: Doctors Of Death And A Glasgow Elbow - Madeleine McCann, Toscano, Malta And Going Equipped - Madeleine McCann’s Wearside Jack And Toscano’s Suspect - Madeleine McCann: Crimewatch And Just Another Day - Madeleine McCann: Blown Out Of All Proportion - Madeleine McCann: The Full Picture - Madeleine McCann: Robert Murat And More Questions - Madeleine McCann: Watching The Parents [...]
August 22nd, 2007 at 8:21 am
I do feel for Madeline’s parents, however I doubt the media would be making this much fuss if the girl hadn’t been a white, blonde, blue-haired little angel.
I doubt that they will find her alive though, because they would have done so by now
August 21st, 2007 at 9:54 pm
Yeah John your right you don’t go out and have drinks and a meal without your kids that’s what I didn’t agree with although I said I did pop to a neighbour for a few minutes to collect my eldest.
What I don’t agree with is all of the stories about how the McCann’s have killed the child and are only interested in the fund, Some of the stories are just damn right nasty or stupid.
Then you have the people that complain because Gerry McCann writes about himself and Kate and not about Maddie, to be honest what I have read is utter rubbish and I don’t think they should have a blog on the page but whatever he writes people will complain anyway. He cant write everything about the case either as its an on going case.
I am not a McCann supporter they don’t deserve support but also as they have lost their child I don’t believe we should be verbally ripping them apart either, Even if they are to blame for not protecting their child the way she deserved to be protected I don’t think they purposely let Maddie down and if they could turn back time they would but what the media coverage has done is highlight this danger.
August 21st, 2007 at 8:19 pm
A person said “I really think that people on this site should think about what they would feel like if they were the McCanns”.
Every parent has put themselves in place of the McCanns which is why their negligence and ongoing actions are being questioned. Any ‘normal’ parent would today have just tucked their little girl in to bed, the holiday in the Algarve but a distant but good memory. Their actions are the reason they are unable to do this. They should feel ashamed.
I work in and amongst some of the worst council estates and drive past 2 - 4 year olds running bare footed on pavements and in the roads. An accident waiting to happen. If I took my eye off the road for a second and happened to bump one over it would be my fault. I would be plastered on the local papers, not the drunken, drugged up or just lazy parents who have allowed the opportunity for this to happen.
The McCanns endangered their children in much the same way yet we are to feel sorry for them. I dont think so. I feel sorry for Madeline who put her trust in her selfish unworthy parents.
My children go with us everywhere on holiday. When they were 3 and 4 we still went out in the evenings but took them with us. It is not unreasonable to allow them to play til they drop when they are on holiday, especially when there are so many ther kids they make friends with doing the same. It’s the one time when all the rules including bed times get relaxed.
It’s just all a little bit odd. You would have to be normal to understand how odd. If you feel the McCanns are being harshly treated then you really need to take a good look at your own principles and integrity.
August 21st, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Sue - I agree with you and made this point several weeks ago. With the holiday season upon us folk with young children who perhaps wondered how they stood legally if they left their kids to go off on the town on the Costa del Hell - well they have had all their fears removed. Leave them and trust the McCann law - they did it - we did it . AND to this day I have not heard either Gerry or Kate McCann stand up infront of a TV camera and warn everyone not to be as neglectful as they were - they have even come across a “justifying” their actions by assuming naivity - Not a trait I would want to see in my doctor ? eh?
August 21st, 2007 at 2:17 pm
To A Person - This whole saga is weird - and I am sure that soon we shall be hearing the full extent of it. So OK - clear the spending of the fund with the Board of Directors? who are they - probably made of a line of relatives, I dont know - and unless anyone has bothered to buy the detiails of this Public Limited Company from Companies House, then very few people would know who the directors are. Quite frankly I didnt donate, so I couldnt give a toss how the money is spend, but I think that the people who donated it did expect it to be used to perhaps employ private detectives, the best around, or even turning stones (remember - leave not one unturned??) - but none of it . There are painstaking statements that the fund money is not used for this that and the other - OK then - this fund was set up to find Madeleine - why are we not hearing how responsibly it is being spent and on what - seems to me its being saved… but why?
August 21st, 2007 at 1:29 pm
If I hear one more person saying “Oh yer, it is ok to leave your kids alone in the house, I will SCREAM! Leaving an 8/9/10 year old whilst popping to the corner shop is not going to bring the might of Social Services down, leaving 3 children under 4 years old alone (as it was at the time) is a very different game!!!!!!! PLEASE DO NOT sanction that sort of behaviour. Are you aware that people are siting the McCanns in cases to get themselves out of abuse charges. What is the world coming to when we cease to put the needs of small children first, but put our adult needs first!!!!!!!!!!!
August 21st, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Alice im sorry but what is your point? i think its not that bad if he didnt write anything at all then you would also be on here giving him the well whats the fund for whats he doing, he hasnt even bothered with his blog speach.
Its been so long you tell him what he should be writing you tell him how he should be feeling as most of you seem to know!!!!
Yeah i think the Mccanns should have protected Maddie Better but that didnt happen they done wrong and they are now looking for thier child and although they havnt acted the way most parents would act that dosnt mean they have killed her for the fund money. They dont have the fund money at thier becken call they have to clear it with the board, they have to explain where the money is going.
I really think that people on this site should think about what they would feel like if they were the McCanns. Even if they believe they wouldnt leave thier kids alone even i said the “you dont go out leaving your kids alone ” then thought back over the years and yes when my youngest was asleep and my elest child was at a neighbours i did pop out to collect her, in those few minutes anything could have happened, although not identicle to the McCann story it could have happened.
August 20th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
HOW MANY TIMES CAN YOU COUNT “I” - IT SHOULD NOT BE ABOUT HIM IT SHOULD BE ABOUT “HER” - MADELEINE. THE ONLY TIME HER NAME IS MENTIONED IS IN THE “FUND RAISING” PARAGRAPH. I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR THAT THE PARENTS SPENT THEIR TIME SEARCHING, LOOKING, ENQUIRING, BUT NONE OF IT - SEEMS THE THING UPPERMOST IN HIS MIND IS PLANNING A FITNESS ROUTINE!! IF THERE IS THE REMOTEST POSSIBILITY THAT ANYONE NEEDS TO KNOW HOW GERRY MCCANN PLANS TO KEEP FIT - THEN I SUGGEST THAT HE DEVELOPS HIS OWN WEBSITE AND DOES NOT INFILTRATE THE ONE SET UP TO HELP FIND HIS DAUGHTER
Latest Update - Gerry’s Blog/Diary
Day 109 - 20/08/2007
I had a predominately quiet but productive day. I spent most of it at the computer or on the phone. We keep in regular touch with both the Portuguese and British police but there has been no major news in the last couple of days.
We did not do any exercise today but plan to run tomorrow morning- especially as I am off to bed for an early night!
Day 108 - 19/08/2007
I went to the airport this morning to pick up one of Kates friends who has come out to help for a few days. Kate went to church this morning as usual. We spent a couple of hours reading mail and answering e-mails.
Donations to Madeleines fund have topped £1million pounds. We would like to thank everyone who has donated to the fund and we will ensure that no stone is left unturned in the search for Madeleine. I will also ensure that the donations figure on the website is officially updated! The establishment of the fund, which was created in response to so many people offering financial assistance, lifted a huge weight off our shoulders. Madeleines fund allows us to make decisions regarding our search for Madeleine for the right reasons- with the boards approval of course- and not out of financial necessity. We did hope that the main objective of the fund would have been fulfilled long before now.
Tonight Kate and I went for a run together. It was the first time I have been for 10 days and I definitely feel better for it. I have made a mental note to get some form of aerobic exercise in at least 2-3 times per week as it does help me both physically and mentally.
August 20th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
How on earth could anyone say that girl was Madeleine they have diffrent faces eyes and hair body size shape she looks nothing like her !!
This is what happens everyone wants to be in with thier 10 mins of fame 100 % sure it was Madeleine she looks nothing at all like her that child therapist who spotted the girl insisted it was missing four-year-old Madeleine.
Its really is sad it wasnt her and although it wasnt people shouldnt stop looking and if they feel its her calling for help yeah, but just because she is 4 ish and blonde dosnt mean its Madeleine.
August 20th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Madeleine: New Development Expected
Updated: 17:49, Monday August 20, 2007
A new development in the Madeleine McCann case is expected within the next few days, Sky News has learnt.
Crime correspondent Martin Brunt understands detectives may want to question a man who was in the Algarve holiday resort of Praia da Luz on the night the four-year-old disappeared.
He believes the development could tie in with alleged inconsistencies in the statements of those who were with Gerry and Kate McCann on May 3.
It follows reports in the local Portuguese media that police may be about to arrest a second British suspect.
Brunt says increased activity surrounding the case rings true with recent suggestions from Portuguese police that developments are likely within the next few weeks.
Mistaken identity: Sjanneke Hofstede
Police leave has been cancelled and officers have been granted a number of new search warrants which they are expected to execute within the next 48 hours.
“Certainly there is renewed activity in the case,” Brunt said.
“More searches are about to begin and there could be a new suspect. It all suggests there is a new impetus to the investigation.”
The latest developments in the case come as investigators wait on DNA test results on specs of blood found inside the McCanns’s Algarve holiday home.
Taken from Sky News - UK time 19:43 -
August 20th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
When Kate McCann returns to her GP practice, how is she going to cope with child protection issues? What if she suspects that one of the families/parent/carer she sees is leaving small children at home alone and she has a concern for their welfare, how is she going call in Social Services or present this to the local Safeguarding Board? Isn’t that dual standards?
We can be as sympathetic and sorry for the McCanns as we each see fit, but in the real world it isn’t that easy. The most important people in all of this are the children, they are vulnerable and need to be protected, that is one of the most important roles entrusted to the key carer/s. As I have said in earlier postings, I can relate to loss and nobody deserves to lose a child, however, if the McCanns had eaten at the apartment or had taken the little ones with them , which as anyone who travels and holidays abroad know is quite acceptable, would this awful tragedy have happen? Let us not forget, there were two other children in that apartment, 2yr old twins. Thank goodness this wasn’t a triple disaster
August 20th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Well I seriously do not believe the parents are involved in Madeleine’s disappearance in any way and they should not be suffering all the negativity they are constantly dealing with from folk who say the should never have left the kids alone etc. Well they know that and they have suffered for that every single waking moment of their lives since their precious child’s disappearance. Its not going to make time go back, you cant go back and undo something you regret doing. If I was a parent in their situation, I would do every little thing I could to bring my child back, and if it meant asking strangers for money - then I would take my hat in my hands and beg myself blue in the face. There is no scam (at least not from the parent’s side) they are just doing their best and they dont deserve to have Madeleine missing for a second longer. Their lives cannot get back to normal until they know exactly what has happened to her.
Who knows maybe she will be missing for years and then suddenly re-appear alive and well. Do the McCanns deserve to wonder for years to come where she is? I dont think so. They deserve their daughter back right now. They are not bad people, just two people who did the wrong thing at the time. Nobody deserves what they are going through NOBODY!!!
August 20th, 2007 at 1:51 am
The money raised is immaterial. Do you know what percentage of the pound coin you drop into the rattling poor box in the high street actually goes to the intended ‘good cause’? Me neither!!!! Reason is because we dont want to know. That gesture has made us feel better, like we have done our bit for society. We have all watched the news and read the papers and felt helpless. Giving a few shilling to the McCanns has enabled many thousands of people to sleep better knowing that they have done their bit.
We all get scammed every day one way or another. The most important thing (the only important thing) is that Madeline is found and returned home alive. If the Mcs have pulled the biggest scam in history to get their hands on the cash then good luck to them. Hope they can sleep well at night.
I dont believe for one minute that this is what has happened. I do believe that we will never know the truth, that she will never be found and that it will be filed under ‘yesterdays news’ before the leaves start to fall. Another mystery unsolved…..
Finally, Watch out for the hardback bestseller… “Gerry and Kate.. Our nightmare Summer of 2007″, available in all good bookstores just in time for Christmas. Sorry, but with the celebrity status they are attempting to elevate themselves to does this seem unrealistic?