The McCann Writ...

I've just been going over parts of the McCann writ against Goncalo Amaral during a quiet moment, and you have to wonder if it's really just another version of the truth.  If their behaviour and appearance are anything to go by, their claims are beyond bizarre.

In the 36 page writ, the McCanns describe Sr Amaral as a 'self-obsessed, manipulative money-grabber with no morals.'  Isn't that libellous in itself?..  Just aswell he's countersuing them... in the fairness of things.

They also say accusations left them "totally destroyed" and caused them "irreparable" damage.  The McCanns give a harrowing insight into the day-to-day life in their household as they struggle to cope without Madeleine!

The writ outlines how the couple both suffer from "permanent anxiety, insomnia, lack of appetite, irritability and an indefinable fear". It also says Kate McCann is "steeped in a deep and serious depression".

Amsterdam 2011

What they are demanding...

£430,000 damages for Madeleine which will be used to continue the search for her.

£215,000 for each parent for the emotional distress the book has caused them.  They say they suffer 'permanent anxiety, insomnia, lack of appetite, irritability and an indefinable fear'.  The writ also says Kate McCann is 'steeped in a deep and serious depression'.

£86,000 for each of their twins Sean and Amelie, who could hear any allegations when they are at school.

I wonder how they came to such figures?  To equate that they, as neglectful parents are worth the same amount as their innocent child comes as no surprise though.

Goncalo Amaral's book and documentary, The Truth of the Lie, were based on the official investigation files (as verified in court by three separate judges)... any legal certificates or documentation required from the file will require the reopening of the same.  Let's hope this is positive news and the case can be reopened.

Marinho Pinto to Testify...

The chairman of the lawyer´s association Marinho Pinto will testify for the couple McCann against Gonçalo Amaral, in the civil process that Madeleine´s parents moved against the former coordinator of the directorate of PJ in Portimao, Correio da Manhã has learned.

Marinho Pinto offered himself to testify in person, against the former coordinator at the trial that was scheduled to start next week but was postponed by the judge who granted the request of the McCanns to be heard several English witnesses through video conference.

Marinho Pinto was the author of the Expresso article which highlighted the trial of Leonor Cipriano and revealed the so called photographs of abuse.  In an unprecedented move, Pinto constituted himself as assistente in the process, which allowed him not to testify or reveal his source of the photos.

In 2010, Marcos Correia publicly supported Pinto in his run for post of Chairman of the Lawyers Order.  And also in 2010, Pinto supported Isabel Duarte.  What familiar faces can we look forward to attending the Amaral v Correia/ACED trial in February, I wonder.

Pinto's daughter, Barbara worked for McCann lawyer Rogerio Alves. Alves, if you recall opposed the reopening of the enquiry after Wikileaks revealed a telegram between British and US ambassadors, discussing that the British police had presented the evidence that had led to the McCanns being made arguidos.

Getting confused by all these names and lawyers?  Well they're all there, and more... in that big can of worms.

Onto the 'several witnesses'... we can speculate all we want but I doubt it will be anyone mentioned in the police files or from Scotland Yard - not whilst their investigative review is active.

Could they be...

Family

Friends

Work colleagues

The McCanns' family and friends are well accustomed to making video appearances.  The McCann children are also mentioned on the writ - maybe the twins will be next to appear for that extra added oooooomph. Respect for the childrens' privacy in a closed court?  Va va voom...

Perhaps we'll have witnesses similar to those from the Leveson enquiry. Witnesses who stated under oath that their articles came from Portuguese contacts within the police.  Or maybe CEOP have discovered just why Jim Gamble made the unprecedented move of having operatives on the ground in Praia de Luz within 2 days.  CEOP was set up in 2006 to help find and convict paedophiles... When the Government took over in 2010, Jim Gamble resigned taking this little nugget of mystery with him.

The McCanns postponed the case... one has to wonder just why they are stalling at this late date.  And just how strong was their case without these additional witnesses.

Facebook for Ben 2012... Help Find Ben.

Please help Kerry and the search for Ben by joining the Facebook for Ben day on 14th February 2012.  Following the amazing response of the Tweet 4 Ben day on Twitter, this is another great way to raise awareness and I have to commend Kerry and her group, they're doing an absolutely fantastic job.

The online campaigns by Kerry Needham and the McCanns are like chalk and cheese.  I can't make the comparison between Ben Needham and Madeleine McCann because... well, in many ways there is no comparison.

Kerry campaigns for the search for her son.  The McCanns campaign for money.

Please join and share with your friends, in this case I do believe Ben is 'findable' and deserves to be reunited with his Mum.

Facebook for Ben 2012

Find Ben on Twitter

Official Help Find Ben Website

Concordia - Condolences

I would like to express my sincerest condolences to all those who have lost family members and friends on the Costa Cordonia. Whilst the survivors have suffered unimaginable terror, hope remains that those still missing will be found quickly.

Costa Cruises were quick to lay blame solely on the rogue master of the ship - suggesting that he'd taken a bad decision by steering the vessel many nautical miles off course, sailing too close to the island and abandoning ship.  Something which was "unauthorised, unapproved and unknown to Costa".

However, Lloyd's Lists tracking information shows that in August 2011 the Cordonia sailed even closer to the island of Giglio to mark the night of the Shooting Stars Festival, without incident.  The route deviation was apparently authorised by Costa Cruises.

Italian Costa Cruises have surprisingly chosen Clarence Mitchell as their official spokesperson which, depending on his role, may pose a problem considering the many differing nationalities of passengers.  Unless Mr Mitchell happens to be multi-lingual.  

I am not defending the captain in any shape or form - after seeing and hearing the news over the last few days, I am appalled.  However, with headlines such as 'Captain 'fell' into lifeboat', in depth detail and the coastguard recording freely and quickly available to the media, it could be construed that Mr Mitchell is already on the job... and not simply in his capacity as spokesperson?  Deja vu?  Mr Mitchell said "...there is a criminal investigation going on and we're not going to say anything that's going to compromise that or the captain's case."  Too late - Costa Cruises had already publicly washed their hands of the captain, and laid the blame firmly on his shoulders.

Clearly he is representing Costa Cruises alone and not the captain.

Is there a case for corporate manslaughter?  I'm not sure if even Michael Clayton could 'fix' this one, although I know who I'd rather be seeing on the news...

The Dwindling Fund...

After publication of the latest accounts, it appears that the McCanns have frittered away millions of pounds from their private company. Funds are down to £125,000, sapped up like water in a hungry sponge. It may read that way on paper, however are the media failing to report the monies earned from Kate McCann's version of the truth - the book, Madeleine.  Sitting nicely in the bank... gathering interest and destined to show in next years accounts?

And what if it was dwindling?  I'm sure with relative ease, the McCanns could save a mint by losing the lawyers, PR companies and come up with some novel way to search for their daughter like normal people would do.  They like to raise awareness but how about selling some of their own assets, remortgaging their home or even doing a mammoth car booty.  Even buying their strawberries from Rothley Market would be advisable compared to M&S prices.


That's if they really need all that money.  The McCanns and the press project a feeling of guilt onto the general public if they fail to donate. They aren't entitled to other people's money to keep their own company afloat.  How do you think Kerry Needham has survived over the last two decades?

Anyway, how about something really simple during those long weekends and school holidays.  Borrow a camper van, tour those lawless villages and get knocking on some doors.  Simple, beautiful country and lovely weather.  They could even take the bikes.  You never know (ahem) Madeleine might answer the door...  errr, I'm sorry... the McCanns don't do personal search, do they?  They prefer to leave the dirty work to other people. And dirty it is... whatever situation Madeleine finds herself and wherever her head rests right now is solely down to them.


Really all of that doesn't matter, because a further £3.5m has been thrown in the McCanns direction in the shape of the Metropolitan Police "investigative review".  So right now, there are law enforcement agencies investigating and searching for Madeleine.  No need for fund raising, begging or petitioning.  It would also be wholly irresponsible and a complete waste of money to still be employing Dave Edgar whilst the review is ongoing.  This effectively makes him and his salary redundant. What a saving!

The fund is now foundation.  Yes, after five years even good marketing ploys need rebranded.  What next?... Madeleine's name?

**Foundation... bad move to rename in this manner - the lowest of the low and something which is below ground.

Back to basics, with foundations based on child neglect.

**Not to be confused with Tony Bennett's Madeleine Foundation... and I'm sure both parties would agree.  Imagine the forthcoming confusion.......