Madeleine McCann: Police Errors, Kate And Gerry McCann Speak, And Amaral’s Book
MADDIE WATCH - Anorak’s at-a-glance guide to press coverage of Madeleine McCann
Portuguese prosecutors have shelved the investigation into Madeleine McCann’s disappearance. Kate McCann, Gerry McCann and Robert Murat are not longer official suspects.
Fernando Jose Pinto Monteiro, Portugal’s Attorney-General, told police to halt the investigation into of Madeleine’s disappearance.
A statement released by his office confirmed that it had decided to “close the file on the investigation concerning the disappearance of the minor Madeleine McCann due to lack of evidence that any crime was committed by the persons placed under formal investigation”.
But it’s not the end of the matter. And Madeleine McCann returns to the nations’ front pages:
DAILY MIRROR (front page): “OUR DESPAIR – OUR FURY – OUR FUTURE”
No not an editorial by the Mirror’s staff wodnering where this story will end, rather words ascribed to Kate and Gerry McCann.
Says “angry” Kate McCann: “It is hard to describe how despairing it was to be named as arguido. It has been devastating to witness the detrimental effect this has had on the search”
Pages 4 and 5: “McCanns vow to keep up search for Madeleine and leave…NO STONE UNTURNED.”
Under the table, out of sight of cameras, her hand trembled as she gripped her husband’s, fighting to keep her emotions in check.
What of Robert Murat, the one the Mirror’s Lori Campbell introduced to the police?
Mr Murat spoke of his joy at being cleared but said he too now wanted the focus to be on finding her. The dad of one, 34, said: “It’s a good feeling but doesn’t take away from the fact there is still a child missing, which is very sad. I was dragged into this because of Madeleine’s disappearance so I would like to know what happened.”
FIONA PHILLIPS: “Let’s hope that they find peace one day”
Any human being with a heart will have felt the same as me - that Kate and Gerry McCann should never have been suspects at all.
If you don’t agree with Phillips then you are heartless, something less than human. Hey, you might not even be a parent:
They are an ordinary family who have lost their daughter and, as a parent, my heart goes out to them…
But as a parent, I know exactly what it’s like to go on a family holiday and be lulled into a sense of security.
DAILY MAIL: “McCanns’ fury - and despair - at Portuguese police as they are finally cleared”
Glasgow-born Mr McCann and his wife, both 40, had not ruled taking legal action against the Portuguese authorities for the way they have been treated.
The dodgy DNA evidence that lead to the McCanns being made suspects
Detectives apparently believed that scientists found Madeleine’s DNA and blood in the apartment and in the McCanns’ hire car, which they did not rent until 25 days after her disappearance.
Armed with that ‘evidence’ and the knowledge that dogs supposedly found the ’scent of death’ on Mrs McCann’s clothes, they decided to name the couple as suspects.
But the final report from the Forensic Science Service in Birmingham several weeks later said that the DNA evidence in the case was inconclusive, and did not support the police’s theory.
The forensic evidence which led to Kate and Gerry McCann being named as suspects was misunderstood by Portuguese police, it was claimed yesterday.
Detectives wrongly believed the work of British experts supported their theory that Madeleine had died in her parents’ rented holiday apartment, when in fact the DNA analysis was inconclusive, it was suggested.
The claims come from leaks from inside the Portuguese investigation, based on an initial British forensic report into the case.
THE SUN (front page): “MADDIE”
Pages 6 and 7: “COPS CLEAR ‘ARGUIDO’ HELL PARENTS”
The couple have fought long and hard to gain access to the documents, which could be available as early as the end of this week for a period of 20 days only.
After the 20-day term, the world’s media will then have the right to apply to view them.
FERGUS SHANAHAN: “TIME TO GIVE KATE A BREAK”
“Having consistently spoken up for Kate and Gerry McCann, I can welcome the official clearing of their names over Maddie without being called a hypocrite”
That’s the important thing. What of Robert Murat, also cleared? Nothing. Not a word.
DAILY EXPRESS (front page): “MADELEINE – Now Kate will see police files at last”
Great news. Now the Express can start featuring our Maddy on its front page again.
THE TIMES: “Kate and Gerry McCann cleared over Madeleine disappearance”
Remember those bungling Portuguese cops?
According to reports yesterday, one key error that led to the McCanns being declared suspects was made by Britain’s own Forensic Science Service.
The report, apparently from the Portuguese authorities and which was leaked to the London Evening Standard newspaper, states that the Policia Judiciaria, Portugal’s criminal investigation department, was told that DNA evidence found in the couple’s hire car, on the window sill of their holiday apartment and in the car park of the apartment complex, belonged to Madeleine.
The document claims that it was given categorically as her DNA and as a result the McCanns were questioned and later made suspects. But, one month later, the forensic service wrote another report saying that it could not be sure that those findings were correct.
THE INDEPENDENT: “Pandora: ‘You can imagine how I felt’ - Max Clifford”
Henry Deedes reads the Anorak.
McCanns finally cleared of blame over daughter’s disappearance
Goncalo Amaral, the detective in charge of the initial inquiry who was removed from the case, will publish a book this week making clear his belief that Madeleine died in her parents’ apartment on the night of her disappearance.
THE GUARDIAN: “Case closed: no leads, no suspects but, say McCanns, the hunt for Madeleine goes on”
“We welcome the news today, although it’s no cause for celebration,” Kate McCann said at a press conference last night.
DAILY TELEGRAPH (front page): “Case closed, but parents’ hunt goes on”
THE HERALD: “McCanns’ anguish: police should be in the dock”
Shame on the Portuguese police force. It emerges from the investigation of Madeleine McCann’s disappearance with its credibility in tatters. Where to begin? It has failed to find Madeleine or even to establish whether she is alive or dead, yet it has shelved her case.
It’s “COLETTE DOUGLAS HOME”. Yeah, those bungling Portuguese plods need to be punished. They’re not like our British coppers. Not like the Forensic Science Service…
Madeleine McCann: The news goes on…
Posted: 22nd, July 2008 | In: Broadsheets, Madeleine McCann, Tabloids Comments (590) | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed: RSS 2.0 | TrackBack | Permalink
Comments
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Coolandcalm
I’d really be taken seriously with a Hello Kitty laptop.
M and A
Worked on my husband for laptop of my dreams,got it and am blissfully happy with it…then wanted to upgrade my mobile to swanky stuff…ditto happy, but I want one of those things C&C is talking about…I think I am a gadget groupie…along with dogs shoes handbags and earrings oh and wine
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
The Real Stig Says:
….. YOU want to live in the UK …. c’mon over here then you’ll feel REAL sunshine 
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Julie
Could you put it on a plane and send it back then please, you’ve had it long enough!
About 12 days ago, it was 12.5 C at 3pm.
So you wouldn’t be interested in a skiing trip then, I take it
___________________________
Skiing trip? No thanks! Madagascar - middle of summer - island with 20 inhabitants - YES PLEASE
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Mods and Admin
Sam and Ann
Maybe try clearing your cookies, that should sort it for you both.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:50 pm
sam Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
——————-
Perhaps it’s a bit like having the trainer wheels taken off their bike; it will take them a bit of time to get used to it.
Maybe they hoped the statement would assert that there was evidence that Madelleine was abducted; that too may be a disappointment to them.
But, push comes to shove, they are now in the position they say they wanted…
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Petronius Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
‘You’re right, Sam, and I wish that I was more objective (like you), that’s not pat, it’s the truth,’
thank you, i don’t think i’m objective, i am biased in that i think they are not innocent.i couldn’t do jury duty because i have that bias.
‘but me using inductive reasoning and putting even all the statements in the para that you responded too is too strong to be ignored, re. the Barry George case, where the DPP and the CPS decided to press ahead with only a microscopic grain of gunpowder, and a LOT more circumstantial evidence, which apparently convinced jury too.’
i don’t know much about the barry george case, well i don’t know much about this one either except whats been in front of my screen via google news and blogs and anorak really, but anyway, can’t comment on the barry george case or compare as i haven’t followed it unfortunately.
‘Yesterday in the C do M Portuguese paper they questioned a judge, he said that on it’s own the evidence (DNA) was inconclusive, but that he himself would proceed to court on the Neglect and Obstruction of justice alone… this make me wonder about other influences on the court.’
but where does the obstruction thing come from ? i think they had very good lawyers.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Julie
Could you put it on a plane and send it back then please, you’ve had it long enough!
About 12 days ago, it was 12.5 C at 3pm.
So you wouldn’t be interested in a skiing trip then, I take it
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Hi Brandon. Bye Brandon
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Coolandcalm
“I still have an Apple ibook that Ive not even taken out of the box as I don’t understand Apple.
So sad…….”
No me!, me, me, I bags it!
My poor old Powerbook is 8 years old I tell you - 8 Years! I really, really deserve a nice new cuddly ibook. 
I know this is not in my self interest but: take it out of the box, plug in the power adapter and turn it on. There might be a registration screen to fill in after that, but that is about it. There are helper apps to set up your internet settings and such it is all very easy.
No more Norton AV nags, no more worrying about viruses, trojans, worms. No more worrying if your favourite porn sites are installing things they shouldn’t.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:37 pm
just popped back for sec
just_me
Dont forget the woosh clunk and comment about the sedatives, and not going back to answer the questions, and fleeing and after saying on womans hour she was sleeping well after 5 days, ’show us the body’, ‘if shes dead shes dead’, comments, the blog, child friendly toppings, makes me sick !!!!!
Not enough proof! not no evidence.
It will come eventually….
(((((((((((((((( hug ))))))))))) You are too nice
BBL xxxx
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Ann Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:16 pm
‘M & A
I think you have a problem, I have just signed on again and this is the last comment showing, no page numbers, no “Next” or anything like that which is why I probably thought you had not posted some of my comments previously. This seems to be as a resuklt of your “update” so am just telling you so you can get it sorted;
anne, i had the same problem, it’s still buggy, try switching to show all, which worked for me. it gets stuck if you use the page numbers thing..
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Someone asked me a few days ago about vexatious litigants; ie people who are so addicted to suing anyone about anything that the Courts finally require the vexatious litigant to obtain permission from the Courts to sue someone else.
It doesn’t always work, of course, since the vexatious litigant then simply bombards the Court with applications rather than the hapless victims.
Depending on your sense of humour you may find Ewing v News International Ltd & Ors [2008] EWHC 1390 (QB) (22 July funny…
http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/QB/2008/1390.html
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:33 pm
just_me and Julie, read Brunty’s blog on Sky News.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I’ve got lunch now and then nose back on the grindstone, excuse me for hitting and running again, enjoy the sun at least all
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Karen Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
ah, thanks karen, agreed.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
yes, the cadaver scent is problematic, the dogs can’t lie, they do scent what they scent and the presence of cadaverine means either a body was there or the scent was planted, and i assume the pj did check that no-one had died in the apartment at an earlier time. lab tests prove inconclusive, but only in after second report corrects the first, and the cadaver dogs evidence cannot be counted.
the way i read yesterdays announcement is that no evidence can be linked to the suspects, hence the status of arguidos was to be dropped. that doesn’t mean to say there wasn’t any evidence. i am pleased for robert murat though.
You’re right, Sam, and I wish that I was more objective (like you), that’s not pat, it’s the truth, but me using inductive reasoning and putting even all the statements in the para that you responded too is too strong to be ignored, re. the Barry George case, where the DPP and the CPS decided to press ahead with only a microscopic grain of gunpowder, and a LOT more circumstantial evidence, which apparently convinced jury too.
Yesterday in the C do M Portuguese paper they questioned a judge, he said that on it’s own the evidence (DNA) was inconclusive, but that he himself would proceed to court on the Neglect and Obstruction of justice alone… this make me wonder about other influences on the court.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
chenier Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
‘Amaral seems to think he can ;)’
big grins, plus i think most of the evidence was collected before he left,
‘ think that in reality they knew that a thorough ground search had been done; as always with the McCanns it’s necessary to separate out the PR. That was part of the whole ‘they are doing nothing’ line which has been fed to us since the very beginning.grins, and most of the evidence was collected before he left as well.’
i was surprised to read just how much the british police were involved, it is something they never mentioned.
‘And of course, media access to the PJ’s files must be helpful to them since surely renewed media coverage could bring that vital break through.
Though Team McCann may not see it that way…’
perhaps it is that they weren’t expecting, they certainly didn’t look happy, nor relieved.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
C&C - Garth would love it!
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
How about this laptop then? (one for the girls definitely!)
http://www.shinyshiny.tv/2007/06/the_inevitable.html
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Also I guess it could be if you’re freesian
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I hope the huge jersey isn’t related to Nosey. That could be uncomfortable…
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Lone, I am a bird too - just got no feathers
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Stiggie, I did NOT steal your summer - someone gave it to us
Anyway, 19 C isn’t exactly warm enough for me ….. I have a HUGE jersey on …. add about 10 degrees and I start to get comfortable 
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
C&C prefers birds !
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Oi Lone - I asked first!
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:16 pm
coco Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:21 am
ADE We need a song for The Clan Dolly Dolls!
All I can think of is the old Sun-lolly tune.
********************************************
M & A
I think you have a problem, I have just signed on again and this is the last comment showing, no page numbers, no “Next” or anything like that which is why I probably thought you had not posted some of my comments previously. This seems to be as a resuklt of your “update” so am just telling you so you can get it sorted
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Sam
It was just a joke about the McCanns’ thinking the media is more real than reality.
They think appearing on T.V is searching etc…..
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
coolandcalm Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Karen…. I am possibly old enough to be your (blah blah blah) and I have a pink laptop! I have a laptop obsession…. I still have an Apple ibook that Ive not even taken out of the box as I don’t understand Apple.
So sad…….
if you don’t want it C&C - i’ll have it
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:13 pm
C&C, firstly sell your Apple at a discount rate (to me).
I think the ASUS is good. I use it for the same purpose. You can slow the mouse down. The small keys were a bit tricky to begin with. I haven’t loaded Windows on to it. I find that for my purposes the software is good enough and uploads easily to my PC.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:12 pm
just_me Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Sam - was it cadavarine or was it the scent of blood? do we know for sure now?
as m and a said, sorry ,don’t know which one :),
one specialised in blood, and the traces of that were sent to the britsh labs, the other dog was trained to scent cadaverine.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Karen…. I am possibly old enough to be your (blah blah blah) and I have a pink laptop! I have a laptop obsession…. I still have an Apple ibook that Ive not even taken out of the box as I don’t understand Apple.
So sad…….
melanie… how do you get on with the Asus? the only thing I’m struggling with right away is the hyper-sensitve mouse. and then I have to find out how to load wndows XP which apparently I can do? maybe….. I want it for making notes at meetings, conferences etc.
I am just so ridiculously excited by it! Easily pleased me.