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
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July 22nd, 2008 at 10:24 pm
m.e.
That is a silly argument. It relies on there being a predatory paedophile behind every tree in every holiday resort. Just because an event is rare does not mean it can’t happen. People have reportedly been hit by meteorites, and that is arguably far less likely.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Ferdinand Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:14 pm
‘It also becomes clear that the reasons given for the request for a reconstruction are not convincing.’
pamela fenn is not mentioned as one of the reasons. ?
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 pm
sam Says:
” this is not two people ?
RACHAEL MARIAMMA (sic) JEAN MANPILLY ”
Then this must be at least three:
Robert James Queriol Evelegh Murat
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:14 pm
It also becomes clear that the reasons given for the request for a reconstruction are not convincing.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Gandolf Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:05 pm
‘FFS manphilly is Rachael Oldfield!!’
this is not two people ?
RACHAEL MARIAMMA (sic) JEAN MANPILLY
well thats silly isnt it.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:09 pm
jo Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Gandolf
Yes I do think you need to take a giant step out of your very small mind
Also,I have noticed your are posting a link from the 3as…what for
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Because I am one vindictive bastard and I like to see Ian getting his arse kicked, much like you get yours kicked……….often!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=6s0WxnqtXcc
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:05 pm
FFS manphilly is Rachael Oldfield!!
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:05 pm
The Real Stig Says:
” Ferdinand
Have a look at the video interview with the woman herself on this page?: ”
I know this. I wouldn’t take it literally. It is just her way to say “F*ck off!” to the press.
Neither do I think that she was able to identify Madeleine by the sound of her voice. There were seven (?) toddlers in the same house. One of them was possibly crying. It’s just indicating that checks were made less frequently than claimed, maybe only by one so far unidentified couple.
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Gandolf Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:59 pm
gandolf, do you have to be quite so bold ? it’s hard on the eyes.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:59 pm
The Real Stig Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:53 pm
they work yes. thanks
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Knowledge is power jo, that is why you don’t and never will have either, you’re a flake.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:58 pm
The Real Stig Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:49 pm
‘She seems to me to be clearly rejecting all reports of what she is alleged to have said.
The relevant bit is at 1:20′
yes, she’s saying she’s never spoken to a journalist and it’s all rubbish what they wrote. she makes no mention of what, if anything at all, she told the pj.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:56 pm
I have heard some people say its easier to leave the kids alone on holiday because you’re easily lulled into a false sense of security. Point taken. But if this is the case then there are thousands of parents over the years who have done the same as the McCanns and so it follows that there would have been many such abductions by an opportunist paedophile. And yet how many have there ever been????????
Just the one, or so the McCanns would have you believe………………..
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:53 pm
sam
Well whatever, the tinyurl links seem to be working the way they should now
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:51 pm
it’s all very interesting anyway. now we know who the tenth tapas member was jean manphilly, who apprently was sharing with the oldfields. thanks for the long posts brandon, a lot to read/digest.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Ferdinand
A link please verifying that was her testimony to the police.
The Daily Mail article quotes her verbatim.
Have a look at the video interview with the woman herself on this page?:
http://tinyurl.com/yokj4v
She seems to me to be clearly rejecting all reports of what she is alleged to have said.
The relevant bit is at 1:20
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:39 pm
This Blog Linked From Here
This Blog
Linked From Here
22/07/08
“It is not a declaration of innocence” - Gonçalo Amaral, in Correio da Manhã today
CM’s compromise
The archiving of the case has opened the space for already too recurrent readings about the violation of the judicial secrecy and the devilisation of the role of the press. CM [Correio da Manhã] stands by its essential compromise: the truth and the loyalty towards its readers. In this case, the essential lies not in the PJ’s honour or the honour of the McCanns, which according to some almost prevents us from thinking about other possibilities that are not that of the abduction of their daughter. The essential lies with a child that remains missing, and in the name of that our newspaper is not going to stop searching and questioning all the versions from all the protagonists, no matter how uncomfortable that may be. That is where the public interest lies, and not with the judicial secrecy.”
*******
Process archived – Gonçalo Amaral reacts for CM
“The Attorney General does not say that they are innocent”
“Abandonment remains unpunished
Gonçalo Amaral’s lawyer says that, as a jurist, he has seen many Portuguese parents punished for “abandonment of minors”, and does not understand why the McCanns remain unpunished after they left children alone in an apartment”
etc……
Enjoy! the real case will be sorted out soon.Justice for Madeleine
http://joana-morais.blogspot.com/
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:32 pm
It cited as examples of new facts that could prompt the files to be reopened “a confession, a telephone conversation [or] a new credible witness”.
The Portuguese police’s national director, José Maria Almeida Rodrigues, speaking on Portuguese radio, said his detectives would “follow all leads” that might come up in the case but “with restraint and discretion”
This is why they are so pissed off because the PJ will just wait …..with restraint and discretion and in their own time
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7520378.stm
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:30 pm
The Real Stig Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:23 pm
‘I am not sure what you mean. I created the tinyurl link using the tinyurl web site and put the resulting link in my post. As far as I am aware, it is the tinyurl website that does the magic of on-linking to the original article. In other words, it is not Anoraks doing, as far as I am aware.’
dunno what ive doen there but clicking on your posted tiny url takes me straight to the actual webpage and it used to take me to the tiny url page first. maybe ive changed a setting or something.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:30 pm
jo, now there’s the leaked report, and finally there is no evidence of Madeleine’s death. Why are you still so sure, contrary to the findings of the police?
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Gimme the sick bag somebody!
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:24 pm
coolandcalm
If you are around. I have been away for a few days.
I remember you saying to me many months ago, words to the effect that one day, it would be made clear that the Mcs were not guilty, putting into its proper place all the terrible things being about them.
Thankfully that day came yesterday.
I’m equally glad that RM’s status was lifted. I notice he generously said that he hopes the search will continue, as Kate said it will, and that the little girl will be found.
So do I, although I think, sadly, that it is probably a forlorn hope. Still, one can only admire the Mcs’ determination never to give up.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Maria
I dont wish they are shit scared,I HOPE they are and to the deep end of their dirty souls
What is tragic is that Madeleine is still missing and will not come back and this IS their fault and they know it :everybody knows it but it is now that the real case comes on.Dont worry about it.One cant go in life the way they do, suing everybody they can grab to make cash to look for a …..dead? child
Stop kidding yourself.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:23 pm
PAMELA FENN lives on the first floor of the residential block, above the apartment occupied by the McCANN family. She related that, on 1 May 2007, two days before the disappearance, at about 22h30, she heard a child crying, which by the sound was MADELEINE.
This is at least her testimony to the police. One has to ask however how she did know the “sound” of Madeleine’s voice so well.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Sam
I am not sure what you mean. I created the tinyurl link using the tinyurl web site and put the resulting link in my post. As far as I am aware, it is the tinyurl website that does the magic of on-linking to the original article. In other words, it is not Anoraks doing, as far as I am aware.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:21 pm
The Real Stig Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:04 pm
chenier
“And if it really is true that Mrs Fenn heard Madeleine crying for 75 minutes on the previous night then the dazzling prospect of untold riches from Oprah may recede into the distance; she would be unlikely to overlook points which Clarrie would dismiss as trifling details…”
I would like €10 for every time I have had to correct this misconception!
“Last night the McCanns got a boost when the police case appeared to be undermined by a pensioner who is potentially a key witness.
Pamela Fenn, 81, lives above the apartment where Madeleine disappeared and is reported to have told police she heard Madeleine screaming below.
But yesterday she broke her silence to say it was “absolute rubbish” she had made any such claims to police. Mrs Fenn said: “I didn’t even know that family was in there.””
—————————————————
The document on the Expresso website refers to Mrs Fenn’s testimony.
The question is whether the document on the Expresso’s website is, in fact, the PJ’s report.
Hence my use of the word ‘if’…
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:17 pm
The Real Stig Says:
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:04 pm
anoraks getting really good, it links straight to the daily mail article despite tiny url, any idea how that works ?
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:14 pm
jo
Are they still shit scared and of what? and why if they are so cleared and clean and innocent?
———————————
Of course they are not scared!!!!
I think you wish they were, though, don’t you??!!
They are not scared; they are grief-stricken. I really don’t believe you cannot appreciate this simple and tragic point. It’s been so obvious from day one.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:11 pm
The Real Stig
Thanks for that! The number of times I have heard people quote the lie that Mrs fenn heard the children cry…
Tosh.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:10 pm
jo
You mean it’s obtuse to agree with the PJ?
Mmmmmmmmmm!!
Poor jo.