Madeleine McCann: Tapas Sums, Shannon Matthews And GMTV
MADDYWATCH - Anorak’s at-a-glance guide to press coverage of Madeleine McCann and Shannon Matthews
THE SUN: “Cops plot McCann pals’ quiz.”
“It could involve British police putting questions to the ‘Tapas seven’.”
“Gran’s plea over missing Shannon”
A picture of Karen Matthews wearing a T-shirt bearing the image of her missing daughter. The mother is smiling. Why show this picture?
MISSING Shannon Matthews’ heartbroken gran fought tears yesterday as she pleaded: “I just want to see her little smiley face at my window again.”
June Matthews is a “pensioner”. She suffers from “ill health”. Is interviewing the grandmother now part of the protocol for reporting on missing children?
THE SCOTSMAN: “Madeleine: police may quiz ‘Tapas Nine’ again”
The Sun’s Tapas Seven becomes the Scotsman’s Tapas Nine. Such are the facts.
Detective Superintendent Stuart Prior, of Leicestershire Police, returned from the Algarve yesterday after meeting counterparts in Portugal about how the fresh interviews would be conducted.
The Leicestershire Police spokeswoman says: “Since Madeleine’s disappearance, we, together with other law-enforcement agencies, have been working closely with the Portuguese authorities.
“Mr Prior has attended a series of meetings with his Portuguese counterparts,” she said yesterday. “He travelled to Portugal on Tuesday and returned this morning.
“He went to discuss how the request for mutual legal assistance is to be executed and to seek clarification over elements of the request.”
DAILY MAIL: “Madeleine: British police meet Portuguese detectives to plan fresh interviews with Tapas Nine”
The “so-called Tapas Nine - the McCanns and their seven friends - could still hold the solution to the unsolved mystery that began in May last year”.
Says the McCanns’ spokesman Clarence Mitchell: “The sooner this re-interviewing takes place the better. The friends are very keen to help police understand their original statements. No one will be changing their story. We are not aware that Kate and Gerry are to be re-interviewed at this stage, but if so, that’s not an issue.”
Tapas Nine minus Tapas Two equals Tapas Seven.
The McCanns, from Rothley in Leicestershire, were joined at the tapas restaurant on by Dr Matthew Oldfield and his recruitment consultant wife Rachael, Dr Russell O’Brien and his partner Jane Tanner, and medical researcher David Payne, his wife Fiona, and her mother Dianne Webster.
Gerry McCann is a heart consultant. Kate McCann is a GP. Such are the facts.
THE TIMES: “Shannon’s mother, Karen Matthews, defends her partner on TV.”
The mother of Shannon Matthews, the missing nine-year-old girl, insisted yesterday that her boyfriend had nothing to do with her disappearance. Karen Matthews, 32, said that Craig Meehan, 22, “would not hurt anybody”.
The Times hacks are watching mid-morning telly. It was ever so.
Ms Matthews chose an interview on GMTV to confront those making accusations against Mr Meehan, her partner for the past four years, whom she called her “rock”. She said: “I know it has nothing to do with him. He would not hurt anybody. It is very hurtful to think people think he would do something like this, because he would not.”
Mr Meehan said that he had taken no notice of the fingers being pointed at him. He added that the police activity surrounding the family was routine in such cases. “They do it to every family this happens to,” he said.
We watch, voyeurs to suffering. We watch, playing amateur detectives on our sofas. It’s interactive entertainment. It’s just routine questioning on the GMTV sofa.
The family have received messages of support from around Britain, including the family of Madeleine McCann. Mr Meehan said: “They know what we are going through.”
Will GMTV unite the families for a special show?
DAILY EXPRESS: “Shannon: Police dig wasteland.”
It is “grim twist” as police call in a digger to search wasteland.
Says the Express: “There are 1,327 registered sex offenders living within a 20-mile radius of Shannon’s home”
It was 1,400.
No mention of Madeleine McCann in the paper that led with her image for weeks on end.
DAILY STAR: “SHANNON COPS START DIGGING UP WASTELAND”
A “dramatic move” close to Shannon’s fmaily home in Desbuery, West Yorkshire.
Says the Express’s sister paper: “Detectives have been orderd to trace 1,387 convicted sex offenders” in the area.
The number grows.
DAILY MIRROR (front page): “WE SAW SHANNON SOBBING.”
Says a boy, aged 12: “There were tears running down her face. She was proper crying.”
Pages 4 and 5: “THE HUNT FOR SHANNON.”
“’It breaks my heart to think she was so upset on that wall. Why did no one comfort her and bring her home to me?’” Karen Matthews. The missing child’s mother.
A last poignant sighting of vanished Shannon Matthews by two boys has pierced the heart of her stricken mum Karen. Clutching the hand of partner Craig Meehan, despairing Karen, 32, said: “It breaks my heart to think she was so upset and we don’t know why. Why did no one comfort her and bring her home to me?”
Readers are invited to empathise with her pain.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror from her home in Dewsbury Moor, West Yorks, Karen said she was mystified by her daughter’s tears and convinced she was still alive after being snatched. She said: “Shannon was perfectly normal on the day she disappeared. “She came running downstairs already in her uniform because she was so excited about going swimming. “Then she was out of the door, shouting ‘See you at teatime - love you’. She didn’t tell us about being bullied at school and I didn’t think she was upset about anything. I’m sure she’s still alive. It’s just a feeling I have - a mother’s feeling. “Wherever she is, she’s going to be frightened. It’s breaking our hearts. I don’t think she’s run away. I think something sinister has happened.”
We can join in the speculation:
Karen said: “I even hate going upstairs. Just walking past her open door is painful. She loved her room. It seems so empty since she’s been gone. Courtney, who shares the bedroom with her half sister, now sleeps cuddled up to Shannon’s favourite teddy. Karen said: “You can hear her shouting out for Shannon. It’s heartbreaking.” At her side, Craig said: “With 200 police on the case you’d think they’d have picked up something by now. But Shannon hasn’t been seen anywhere. I think someone must have taken her. It could be a person with a grudge or who can’t have children of their own. If someone has her, just let her come home. That’s what everyone wants. That’s what Shannon and her family want. We’re all missing her.”
TYPICALLY SPANISH: “Two Million Euro ransom demanded in Marí Luz case”
A phone call was made to the family yesterday, but it is not considered by police to be genuine
The family of the missing five year old girl, Mari Luz Cortés, who vanished from Huelva in the middle of January, says they have received a ransom demand for two million Euros. They say they received a phone call from an individual yesterday, who demanded two million € to release the child.But at a press conference held today in the Plaza Rosa del Torrejón, in Huelva, the missing child’s uncle, Diego Cortés, lamented the call which he described as ‘upsetting and senseless’, as it was believed the call is a hoax. He said that the family ‘was prepared to negotiate’ in the case of serious calls, adding that if the family would go personally to rescue Mari Luz if necessary. He said there was no chance of the family raising a sum of two million €, but that 300,000€ was possible.
And:
Speculation continues in some media over a possible link to the Madeleine McCann disappearance, but there is no evidence of any relationship, apart from the geographical location of the two cases.
Posted: 7th, March 2008 | In: Madeleine McCann, Tabloids Comments (570) | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed: RSS 2.0 | TrackBack | Permalink
Comments
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March 7th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Julie - you been chatting up the lads?
March 7th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Afternoon all. That was one long lunch…
March 7th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
412 Ferdinand
As I’v said - people gave them money and according to the fund rules they are legally entitled to spend it for the mortgage.
But, I am absolutely sure, many people would be embarrassed to do that and rather sell the house before they spend a penny from a public donation. If I have, let’s say, a terminal disease, and I appeal for money for the treatment, I would not use it to buy new shoes, even if my sponsors would not mind that and think that may cheer me up.
I wuold use it for the treatment and send the rest to someone else, who needs it. It is as simple as that. They have to be emotional analphabets, if they do not see the subtlety of this sensitive social interaction they invited people to.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
415
DCB
+++++
Express - nil
March 7th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
411
Denzylle Says
++++++++
Guardian site brings up 402 entries if you enter “madeleine mccann”
March 7th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
406
Salomon
I really start wondering why we are spending so much time on these people really.
The only thig they deserve is to be put behind bars and forgotten about.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
409 Candy
In my humble opinion it was morally inadequate to use the fund to pay mortgage within 2 months of Madeleine’s disappearance. In other words, they have paid their mortgage BEFORE they spent any fund money in posters, wristbands or wanna-be detectives.
It moved from “morally inadequate” to “shameless” when they revealed that they stopped paying their mortgage debt with the fund (tacitly recognising the inadequacy of this action), but have to date failed to fe-fund that money to the find madeleine fund.
Accepting we may have different perspectives on right and wrong use of the fund, the legal framework under which the fund was established is not a justification for condoning morally inappropriate use of the money in that fund. In other words, the fact that you can do wrong, does not mean it’s right.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
404 Candy:
I think the whole how-to-deal-with-an-abduction business is still in its infancy. The McCanns have not always found the right aproach, the mortgage payment story is just one example of an unnecessary embarrassment. Future parents will draw the benefit of the McCanns’ experiences.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Interesting.
As that link didnae work either (even with an additional ‘w’ at the front), I went to Guardian Unlimited and typed ‘MM’ (in full) into the search engine and got the same message.
Has the Guardian also pulled everything?
And is the pulling that was discussed on Anorak about 10 - 14 days ago a result of the potential lawsuit we have only just heard about today?
March 7th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
M & Adm
I have problems with my pc.
Cant access links in my favorites nor paste & copy.
Lets try this:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2007/sep/07ukcrimemadeleinemccann
*********
Jo,sorry I worded it badly , that link containing the story is gone.
When your pc is better then
March 7th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
401 Ferdinand
There is a custom I know about which I would like to use as a metaphor.
When you want your friend to deliver a letter for you - let’s say, pass it to someone you both know - you are giving him unsealed envelope, to show you have a trust in him and you know he will not read a letter. He takes it, promised to deliver, and seals it in front of you.
That example shows very well what is missing in the whole case here. Legally it is all ok - and I agree, there is no LEGAL obligation to do anything. But a moral perspective is different IMO.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
They also fail to explain which funds will be used to finance possible libel cases against the tabloids.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Unless the Fund applies to change its accounting date, it must produce accounts by 31 May 2008.
The problem, however, is that the subject headings for expenditure can be so vague that they can be interpreted as almost anything - eg. money spent on 1.1.3 (see my last post) could simply be shown as Family Subsistence £x with no indication how this was constituted.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
In my opinion the threat to sue the papers for libel is just another distraction - designed to prepare the british public for some damaging news that may arise from further interviews of the tapas gang and possible closure of the portuguese investigation (deeming the files accessible to the public).
Do we actually know why they are suing any newspaper? Which bit of the coverage do they think has caused them injury? This aspect they don’t seem to discuss at all. They simply make loose accusations that the coverage has not been favourable to them in the UK - which couldn’t be further from the truth.
If they are really interested in suing… why not go after the portuguese tabloids that have printed far more outrageous stuff about their role in Madeleine’s disappearance? Why not sue the tv commentator that live on portuguese television said that the McCanns were swingers within hours of Madeleine’s announced disappearance? Why not sue 24 Horas who claimed… repeatedly that Gerry was not MAdeleine’s father?
If it’s true - as Clarence Mitchell said - that they’re only after an apology (and not the money) why focus on the friendly british tabloids?
March 7th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
401
“Mods and Admin
Just a little tactical diversion here,roughly how much do other families spend looking for missing children, do we know what an average amount could expected to be?”
Isn’t that merely a matter of your budget?
*************
Yes exactly, given the average salary is £35k, disposable income after necessary bills would be fairly low. The taxpayer in most Western countries fund the police searches, immediately after the event and any subsequent leads that develop. The taxpayer also funds anything to do with legalities, investigations etc into criminal activity which could include searching for a murderer or and abductor.
Rewards are usually put up by local businesses, the printing of leaflets isn’t bank breaking, and normally volunteers are willing to put them up and otherwise distribute them. Appeals on tv and radio are free.
March 7th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
401 Ferdinand
I am aware of the fact, that when money is involved, there will always be someone complaining and accusing. It is common thing and everyone who dealt with money collection knows that well. It is very diffucult to keep everyone’s happy.
So, I do understand your question - it is not an easy one
I would, myself, imagine it like that:
Dear Friends,
Thanks to your kind help, we managed to collect 100 pounds, from which we spent;
20 for everyday maintenance as we had to abandon our work for the time of the search
20 for the detective agency (brief note why did they choose this particular one and how much they charge)
20 for posters, balloons, adverts
20 we gave to Missing Kids organisation
20 remained untouched
we will brief you next month on what is going on
I am very patience and I do not like to cause trouble, but I feel duped by the whole thing. They seem to attack everyone right now, blame everyone, when decency (or at least reason) would require to show more humility. They are somehow a bit too cocky IMO, considering they are sitting in the public pocket right now and STILL ask for help.
I do not expect them to kneel and kiss my hand for giving them some money, but it is offence IMO to send an air-head spokesman to deal with us, like we are some insolent clients. I would not mind them SPENDING the money, but they seem to treat any questions like an offence. It should not be the case people have to ASK what is happening to the money - the should feel obliged to say it themselves, without being pushed.
March 7th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Ferdinand
401
So how would you spend the money? - for the urpose it was collected for, remember!
———————————————————————————————————
Madeleine’s Fund
1.1 The full objects of the Fund are:
1.1.1 To secure the safe return to her family of Madeleine McCann who was abducted in Praia da Luz, Portugal on Thursday 3rd May 2007;
1.1.2 To procure that Madeleine’s abduction is thoroughly investigated and that her abductors, as well as those who played or play any part in assisting them, are identified and brought to justice; and
1.1.3 To provide support, including financial assistance, to Madeleine’s family.
1.2 If the above objects are fulfilled then the objects of the Foundation shall be to pursue such purposes in similar cases arising in the United Kingdom, Portugal or elsewhere.
Ferdinand, 1.1.3 allows for absolutely anything, including mortgage payments (until there is a public outcry), the long term events (which should be coming up soon), Kate’s private hairdresser who visits the house which she is too distressed to leave unless she is attending fundraising events, etc.
And 1.1.3 ensures that 1.2 will never become necessary as everything will get spent on 1.1.3.
March 7th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
401
Ferdinand
NOBODY will find Madeleine.
ONE DAY they will find her BODY.The rest is pure bollocks.I know you are a keen defensor of the mcCRAP.Defensor of liars arrogant uncaring greedy pile of shit.
To refresh your flagging memory
go there:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/2007/sep/07ukcrime.madeleinemccann
HOW THEY LEGGED IT OMG
Mods and Admin
Jo your link doesn’t work, could you find the article/item and repost please
March 7th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
397 Candy:
I think it’s a bit too early to judge about the fund spending, as we do not know who will actually find Madeleine. You could certainly not halt the search until the police makes up their mind whether to charge anyone or not?
One could well argue about the sense of a search fund, but as long as the money is spend for the purpose it was collected for, I have no problem with it. (May it be wasted or not)
Candy: “I understand your point of view. However, my position is, it’s a public money. They’ve been given funds with a credit of trust they would spend it wisely- and somehow, instead of them being grateful and in a dialogue with people who did contribute - I see arrogance, and greed.”
So how would you spend the money? - for the purpose it was collected for, remember!
————-
Mods and Admin
Just a little tactical diversion here,roughly how much do other families spend looking for missing children, do we know what an average amount could expected to be?
March 7th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Have these Mcfeckers never heard the phrase ‘If you lie down with dogs you wake up with fleas’?????
They used the media unashamedly for months to get the cash rolling in and then turn on them when the hacks dont follow the script and play nicely
Give me strength…….:evil:
March 7th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
oh well might as well join in…..
mines a foot long, but dont use it as a rule…
March 7th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
395 Karen
I’ve read something funny in London Paper last week (or was it London Lite?);
someone wrote “everytime I see CCTV I make a dance move - if I ever go missing, they will have to show it on Crimewatch!.
I laughed and laughed
Maybe you should try to do the same? Then we will know it was you and we will set up a special Anorak fund.
Take care anyway! and come back safely
March 7th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
387 Ferdinand
I understand your point of view. However, my position is, it’s a public money. They’ve been given funds with a credit of trust they would spend it wisely- and somehow, instead of them being grateful and in a dialogue with people who did contribute - I see arrogance, and greed.
I do not have to know exactly, how much do they spend on what, as I assume people in that situation may not be able to work etc. But I feel insulted that they do not feel it is decent to communicate with us properly and give us a briefing on what is the state of the fund and why do they think they need more money.
What I do not see, is any sign of respect towards all people of good will who decided to help.
March 7th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Karen you have to make it back !!!!!! be careful
March 7th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
I have to actually leave the flat.
If I never make it back - it was nice knowing you all. x
March 7th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
In our school no one got bullied but you had to top an insult, keep your weight down beneath 7 stone, keep your test results high and you could get a right whacking with a hockey stick if someone was mad at you.
I got an invite the other day to play a hockey match against the 6th year as an old girl. OLD GIRL.
The end has come.
March 7th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
The stories and snippets of information about Shannon are really heartrending. There were no stories or snippets about Madeleine - just about the parents.
March 7th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I truly hope that Shannon is found alive and well (although it appears a slim chance at this stage), purely because I think the reason that she was so upset needs to be found out - I cannot believe it was all down to being bullied, she appears to have desperately wanted to get away from her own home for some reason.
March 7th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Julie - I also saw something on tv about childline..sometimes kids call and their call doesnt get answered…..that shouldnt be allowed to happen
March 7th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
384 Julie Says:
“STRAIGHT BACK INTO THE FUND!!!!!”
Yes, as long as she is not found, certainly. But once she is found, this means it will be passed to a charity. Anyway, it will compensate the morgage rates.