Madeleine McCann: Three ‘Suspects’ And Meeting Harry Redknapp
MADELEINE McCANN: a look at the missing child in the news. The papers have news:
The Sun: “Gerry and Kate ban in ‘lie cop’ libel case”
This is the libel case against Goncalo Amaral, and his book The Truth of The Lie.
PARENTS Kate and Gerry McCann have been banned from giving evidence in their libel case against an ex-police chief who led the search for daughter Madeleine. The couple wanted to confront Goncalo Amaral when the case resumes in Portugal on Tuesday — and brand him a liar.
So. What happened? Who banned them from calling the man a liar? Their lawyer, Isabel Duarte, is quoted:
“The judge informed us she had enough information and refused to allow the McCanns and Amaral to speak in court.”
What says Amaral? We’re not told. The Sun focuses on the family and an unnamed “source”:
A source close to the McCanns, both 45, from Rothley, Leics, said: “They are very disappointed. Kate and Gerry wanted to make it clear the pain his lies caused.”
So. He’s been branded a liar anyhow. Who needs the court of law when you have the Sun?
Daily Star: “Madeleine McCann’s parents left furious after court gags them from giving evidence”
Their lawyer Isabel Duarte said: “Obviously Gerry and Kate were disappointed… We believe they have the right to give evidence in the case.’’
On Tuesday lawyers for the McCanns, Amaral, publishers and the documentary producers will give their closing statements in the five-month long case.
Adding:
Last night a source close to the couple said: “They are very disappointed by the judge’s ruling. It is yet another blow. They will not be going to court. There is no point now. It would simply turn into a media circus.”
Sky News: “Madeleine McCann Parents In Court Setback – The couple are suing a former Portuguese detective over claims he made in his book, which they say exacerbated their anguish.”
A request by Madeleine McCann’s parents to give evidence at a Portuguese libel trial over a book by a former local police chief has been rejected, according to a family source.
Is there another source for this?
Mr McCann’s sister Trish Cameron told the court last October that the family’s pain over Madeleine’s disappearance was “multiplied 100 times” by the book, while the trial previously heard how Mrs McCann had considered suicide in the aftermath of its publication in 2008.
Oddly, the Daily Mirror then reports:
Pictured: Kate and Gerry McCann looking relaxed and happy watching Everton in the FA Cup
Is that news? Are they now VIPs, faces to be picked out in the crowd?
The couple were spotted enjoying themselves at Goodison Park in Liverpool – and even shook hands with Harry Redknapp
Just in case you thought that was balls, the Mirror notes:
They are living through unimaginable pain as they continue to search for their missing daughter. But Kate and Gerry McCann still managed to enjoy an afternoon out today to watch their beloved Everton in the FA Cup.
Isn’t he Glasgow Celtic fan?
As that latest libel trial drags on, the Mail has news:
“Police identify three prime suspects for abduction of Madeleine McCann following analysis of mobile phone data
Can you have three prime suspects? Can’t you just have one?
Stephen Wright reports:
Three prime suspects for the abduction of Madeleine McCann have been identified by Scotland Yard officers.
Great. Names, please.
Analysis of mobile phone data suggests a burglary gang was operating very near to where she vanished in Portugal in May 2007.
Hold on. They have the suspects id-ed but are uncertain if they are involved in a crime?
The three men made an unusually high number of calls to each other in the hours after Madeleine was reported missing from her holiday flat in the Algarve. Police believe the thieves, including at least one Portuguese man, had already carried out one raid in the resort of Praia da Luz, disturbing a child.
That child’s parents, who had been drinking outside the property, rushed inside to find the intruders had fled.
They didn’t find anything. That’s the problem.
During their bungled investigation Portuguese police attached no significance to the break-in, which came a few days before Madeleine disappeared. Following the Yard phone breakthrough, informal discussions have taken place about arresting the three burglars and searching their homes and other sites.
Maybe they need more evidence, other than just phone calls?
It is believed background checks have taken place into their criminal history, their circle of friends and relatives and the vehicles they have used.
Believed by whom?
British detectives believe the burglars may have panicked after they woke Madeleine up by mistake and decided to take her away with them.
In an article short of facts, we hear from “an informed source”, who says: “After all the far-fetched theories about what may have happened to Madeleine, there may be a far more simple explanation: that a burglary went horribly wrong. It is the main line of inquiry for British police.”
To recap: No news.
Posted: 4th, January 2014 | In: Madeleine McCann, Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
