The complete High Court Hearing, 07 July 2008

Address by Tim Scott Q.C. to the High Court of Justice on 07 July 2008, In open court: International Family Law Group Representation Madeleine McCann is a ward of Court. She had her 5th birthday on 12 May 2008. Gerry and Kate are not here as they are on holiday with their twins, Sean and Amelie. Who could deserve a holiday more after a period more traumatic than any family should have to cope with. (Mrs Justice Hogg intervened: 'I did not expect to see them.') As the world knows, Madeleine was abducted from an apartment at a resort in Praia Da Luz in Portugal on 03 May 2007. No one has ever been arrested or charged in connection with her abduction. Her whereabouts are completely unknown. There is no proof that she is alive, but there is not a scrap of evidence that she is not. After the abduction Gerry and Kate McCann set in motion their own search with professional assistance. A Fund was set up to finance the search and many people, often those who could barely afford it, have given generously to that fund. Simultaneously a massive international police search was launched. Since the McCann family lives in Leicestershire, the Leicestershire Constabulary has been the lead force among UK law enforcement agencies. Gerry and Kate would like, through me, to acknowledge the enormous effort which has been devoted both by the Leicestershire Constabulary and by other law enforcement agencies to the search for Madeleine. They would also like to thank many individual officers for the kindness and concern which they have shown to the family throughout this terrible time. Proceedings were started in this Court by a summons dated 17 May 2007. The sole purpose of the proceedings has been to call upon the extensive powers of the High Court to require assistance to be given in the search for a missing child. It is of course quite routine in the Family Division for such Orders to be made. For example in an appropriate case (though not this one) an Order can be made against a mobile phone company to produce the call record of a phone. It was never the parents' wish that the proceedings should become adversarial. On 22 May 2007 an Order was made by you [4] in very wide terms requiring any person on whom the Order was served to disclose to the parents' solicitors any information which might assist in identifying Madeleine's whereabouts. The Order contained a clause entitling any person served with it to apply to discharge or vary it. Among the bodies on whom the Order was served was the Leicestershire Constabulary, who immediately expressed doubts as to whether the Order was intended to or could properly extend to them. In due course the parents’ solicitors issued a further application seeking clarification of this. On 02 April 2008 you gave directions which were intended to lead to a hearing at which this question would be resolved. This is that hearing. As the preparations for this hearing advanced, it became clear that the Leicestershire Constabulary and other law enforcement agencies, while personally sympathetic to the position of the McCann's objected on principle to the disclosure of at least the great bulk of the information in their possession. They raised a number of legal arguments relating among other matters to the public interest in maintaining the confidentiality of police investigations. Both the Serious Organised Crimes Agency and the Attorney-General intervened in the proceedings in order to advance their own arguments on issues of public policy. It became clear that if today's hearing proceeded on a fully contested basis a number of areas of law of great interest to lawyers would have had to be considered. However Gerry and Kate McCann are not lawyers and so far as they were concerned the legal proceedings were moving further and further from the only matter which concerns them: the search for Madeleine. The proceedings were in danger of becoming a distraction from rather than an aid to that single goal. Also there have been two recent developments which have greatly affected Gerry and Kate's views on these proceedings. The first is that the Leicestershire Constabulary has now agreed to release an important, though limited, part of the information which they have been seeking; I shall come back to that. The second is that, as has been widely publicised, it is expected that Gerry and Kate's status in Portugal as arguidos or suspects will be lifted soon. When that happens it is hoped and expected that a substantial further amount of information will be released. Since Gerry and Kate have always wanted to work with all law enforcement agencies on a cooperative basis, they decided to withdraw the application against the Leicestershire Constabulary. We therefore come to Court today to ask you to approve an Order which all parties consent to. The first part of the Order recites that the Chief Constable of Leicestershire has agreed to provide by today a document in accordance with Paragraph 50 of the Skeleton Argument which has been presented to the Court on his behalf. That Paragraph is at 34. It says that the Chief Constable is currently preparing a document which will provide the parents with the contact details of persons that have been forwarded to the investigation by the parents or those acting for them. This document will also contain a brief resume of the information that it is believed the person informed the parents or those acting for them that they wished to pass on to the investigation. I said earlier that this is an important but limited amount of the information which Gerry and Kate had hoped to obtain. I would like to explain why it is important. Although the Leicestershire Constabulary were quick to set up a major incident room and to provide a telephone number which anyone with information could call, there was a period of time before this became widely known. During that time Gerry and Kate's solicitor, Ms Ann Thomas of The International Family Law Group, who sits in front of me, had already been retained. Her firm’s number was publicised and a large number of people called in. All of these callers were given the number which the Leicestershire Constabulary had set up for the purpose. The solicitors thought it right that the police should be receiving it. In fact with few exceptions the solicitors did not even retain any notes on what the callers were saying or even their contact details. So what the Chief Constable is now voluntarily providing is the contact details and a summary of the information provided by a substantial number of people who were among the first to try to help the investigation. It is because these were on the whole people who came forward to volunteer information in the period immediately after the abduction that it is likely that the information which they provided will be most helpful. So on that basis Gerry and Kate McCann are content to withdraw their application for any wider disclosure. Paragraph 4 of the Order provides that the documents in the case shall remain confidential to the Court. This of course is completely normal in wardship. An exception is made to enable the Chief Constable at his discretion to reveal the contents of his evidence and the legal arguments advanced on his behalf. The parents understand that the points of principle which have arisen are of wider interest to law enforcement agencies, and they would not want to restrict proper discussion of those matters which might have a beneficial purpose in future investigations. They are confident that the Chief Constable will exercise his discretion in a responsible way. The search for Madeleine continues. The fund which was established in May 2007 known as "Madeleine's Fund – Leaving No Stone Unturned" remains closely involved in the search. It always has been and remains Gerry and Kate's purpose to leave no stone unturned. This was why they asked for the assistance of this Court in the first place, and this is why, in the light of developing circumstances, they now withdraw their application. We hope that you will accept, and will feel able to say that they have behaved completely properly and responsibly at every stage. Tim Scott Q.C. Phillippa Kaufmann The International Family Law Group For Gerry and Kate McCann [The following two transcripts (for 'Mr James Lewis QC' and 'Representative of the Attorney General') are from an eye-witness account of the proceedings by 'emma2', these sections have been confirmed in various press reports:] Mr James Lewis QC, for the Chief Constable of Leicestershire: We would like you to approve the Order. As the Court heard, any person served with the Order should disclose any information that would help to find Madeleine. We wish to make it clear that the primary aim is to ensure that no stone is left unturned. There must be a balance between the rights of Plaintiffs to have as much information as possible and the risk of compromising the continuing criminal investigation, damaging future international co-operation, and a potential breach of Portuguese law. The parents get information that emanates from them and there is no breach of Portuguese law. The Chief Constable asks the Court to make clear that previous Orders don't apply. The case is not closed. The Chief Constable wishes to reiterate anyone with information should come forward to the police. The amount of information is 81 pieces of information out of 11,000 pieces of information on the computer system. Representative of the Attorney General: The Attorney General intervened as Guardian of the public interest and has no further comment to make. IN THE MATTER OF MADELEINE BETH MCCANN Judgement of Mrs Justice Hogg at the High Court, Family Division, RCJ, London, 7th July 2008, in open court: International Family Law Group Madeleine went missing on 3 May 2007 just a few days before her 4th birthday, while she was holidaying with her family in the Algarve in Portugal. On 17 May 2007 Madeleine's parents invoked the jurisdiction of this Court under the Inherent Jurisdiction of the Court, and The Child Abduction and Custody Act, and the Hague Convention. They sought various orders and directions aimed at ascertaining the whereabouts and recovery of Madeleine. I became involved with the proceedings shortly afterwards. On 2 April 2008 Madeleine became a Ward of this Court, and since that date has remained a Ward. At all times jurisdiction was assumed by the Court because, there being no evidence to the contrary, it is presumed Madeleine is alive. She is a British Citizen, and like her parents habitually resident here. The current application was made on 2 April 2008 by the parents seeking disclosure of information and documents from the Chief Constable of Leicestershire to assist them and their own investigations in their search for Madeleine. Such are the complexities of the issues involved other interested parties were invited and joined to the application, and directions given for the hearing today. The parties have reached an accommodation whereby the Chief Constable will provide to Madeleine's parents contact details of members of the public who had themselves contacted the parents or their solicitors, and which on receipt were immediately passed to the Chief Constable, together with a brief resume of the information given. The parents do not wish to pursue other aspects of the application, and save for the draft consent order being approved by this Court wish to withdraw their application and seek leave to do so. I have no criticism of the parents in making this application. They have behaved responsibly and reasonably throughout. I have considered the documents provided to this Court by the various parties, and have concluded that the agreement reached by the parties is entirely appropriate, and that the parents should be permitted to withdraw the balance of their application. I will make the Order by Consent as sought. In particular paragraph 1 of the Order made on the 22 May 2007 shall be varied with the words: "The terms of this paragraph shall not apply to the Chief Constable of Leicestershire or any other United Kingdom law enforcement agency. And for the avoidance of doubt all the evidence submitted to the Court and the Case Summaries and Skeleton Arguments remain confidential to the Court save that the Chief Constable may use his discretion to disclose his evidence, case summary and skeleton arguments filed in this Court and the Orders of 22 May 2007, 2 April 2008 and this Order. Any other documents and their contents are not to be disclosed to any person or published save in accordance with Orders already made by the Court or further Order of the Court". It may be noted that neither of the Parents is present today. I let it be known last week that providing their legal team was fully instructed neither parent need be present, and I would not criticise or bear any ill-feeling towards them if they chose to stay away. It was my decision as they have suffered enough, and I wished to ease their burden. I know the police authorities and other official law enforcement agencies in this country, in Portugal and elsewhere have striven and will continue to strive to trace Madeleine. I urge anyone who has any information however small or tenuous to come forward now so that further enquiries can be made. There is, of course, as least one person who knows what has happened to Madeleine, and where she may be found. I ponder about that person: whether that person has a heart and can understand what it must be like for Madeleine to have been torn and secreted from her parents and siblings whom she loves and felt secure with, and whom no doubt misses and grieves for. Whether that person has a conscience or any feeling of guilt, remorse or even cares about the hurt which has been caused to an innocent little girl: whether that person has a faith and belief, and what explanation or justification that person will give to God. I entreat that person whoever and wherever you may be to show mercy and compassion, and come forward now to tell us where Madeleine is to be found. I hope and pray that Madeleine will be found very soon alive and well. I confirm the Wardship and Madeleine will remain a Ward of Court until further Order of the Court. The case will be reserved to myself subject to my availability.

Judgement of Mrs Justice Hogg at the High Court, Family Division, RCJ, London in open court, 07 July 2008

Judgment Madeleine McCann Ward of Court

Press Reports

First news of the McCanns High Court action and that Madeleine had been made a ward of court, 20 June 2008

Madeleine McCann: parents' court bid for information Telegraph   By Gordon Rayner, Chief Reporter Last Updated: 7:26PM BST 20/06/2008   Kate and Gerry McCann are to ask a High Court judge to order the release of police documents which they hope will kick-start the search for their missing daughter Madeleine, The Daily Telegraph can disclose. The McCanns hope their application to Mrs Justice Hogg will result in Leicestershire Police opening their files on scores of reported sightings of Madeleine, most of which have been passed on to them by police in Portugal, where the four-year-old disappeared in May last year. Until now police in Leicestershire, the McCanns' home county, have refused the couple's requests for information about sightings, saying they are bound by the terms of an agreement with Portuguese police. But Mr and Mrs McCann, who retain the services of a Spanish-based detective agency, are anxious to make sure that every possible lead has been checked out, which they believe the Portuguese police, whose investigation is gradually being wound down, may not be able to do.   The Telegraph can also disclose that Madeleine was made a ward of court last summer at the request of the McCanns, to empower judges to act in her best interests in any legal dispute such as the case which is about to be heard. Clarence Mitchell, the McCanns’ spokesman, said: "I can state that on the instigation of Gerry and Kate McCann Madeleine is a ward of the High Court of England and Wales. "An application has been made on Madeleine's behalf by her parents for disclosure of certain documents. The hearing is currently scheduled for July 7 in the High Court in London. "It has been the stated intention of Gerry and Kate McCann to leave no stone unturned in doing everything necessary to search for their daughter, as would any parent. "This application is just part of their search for Madeleine." Madeleine's status as a ward of court has never been disclosed by her parents' who quietly made a wardship application in the High Court just weeks after she went missing. The couple's legal team had advised them to ask for Madeleine to be made a ward of court because wardship status gives the courts certain statutory powers to act on her behalf in legal disputes such as the one which has arisen with Leicestershire police. They still believe their daughter is alive and hope the police files may contain information which could yet lead to a breakthrough. The case is listed to be heard in open court on July 7 in the Family Division of the High Court in London, and is expected to be contested by Leicestershire Police, according to legal sources. Clarence Mitchell, the McCanns' spokesman, said: "Kate and Gerry have always said that they will do whatever is necessary to find Madeleine and that they will leave no stone unturned in their search for their daughter. "They will take whatever legal steps are necessary if there is information out there that can assist their private investigation into finding Madeleine. Beyond that I cannot make any comment." Mr Mitchell said the hearing would not involve any attempt by the McCanns to clear their names by proving they were not involved in their daughter's disappearance from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz. They remain official suspects, or arguidos, in Portugal. In recent months the couple have become increasingly frustrated at the slow progress of the Portuguese investigation, and they suspect that many possible sightings of Madeleine have not been followed up at all. If they are given access to the police files on reported sightings, each one will be looked into by private investigators retained by the couple. For the past year the McCanns have employed Metodo 3, a Barcelona-based detective agency, to carry out an investigation in parallel with the Portuguese police inquiry. The agency has checked out sightings as far afield as North Africa and South America – all of which have proved to be false – using either its own staff or affiliated firms, which it says it can do far more quickly than the police. In one instance earlier this year, the agency ruled out a sighting of Madeleine in Chile within three hours of receiving a tip-off, by employing local investigators to track down the girl concerned. The agency argues that police would have taken days to achieve a similar result because they would have been hampered by bureaucracy and official procedure. Earlier this week Portugal's Attorney General suggested that police files may be opened up at the end of July, but the McCanns fear his comments may prove to be another false dawn. Their case is being heard in the Family Division because it involves the welfare of a child. Mrs Justice Hogg, a specialist in child welfare cases, is the sister of former cabinet minister Douglas Hogg and the daughter of former Lord Chancellor Lord Hailsham.

Details of High Court hearing released on HMCS website, 04 July 2008

McCanns listed to appear in court on Monday HMCS   Last updated: 04 Jul 08 (HMCS)   Court 20 Before MRS JUSTICE HOGG Monday, 7 July, 2008 At 10:30 AM IN OPEN COURT FD07P01121 McCann Applications/Summonses in Court as in Chambers FD06P01276   *   Related press report:   'The case is listed to be heard in open court on July 7 in the Family Division of the High Court in London, and is expected to be contested by Leicestershire Police, according to legal sources.' Telegraph

Maddie: Bid to get cop files, 07 July 2008

Maddie: Bid to get cop files Daily Star   By Jerry Lawton 7th July 2008    MADELEINE McCann's parents go to court today in a bid to seize police files they believe could help them find her.   So far police have kept details of their probe into the youngster’s disappearance last May secret.   Portuguese detectives have submitted the file to prosecutors and according to sources the case is set to be closed.   Madeleine's parents Kate and Gerry, both 40, are convinced the dossiers could contain vital evidence of possible sightings that would help their private detectives find their missing child.   Today they are taking their local force, Leicestershire Police who handled the British end of the inquiry, to the High Court to try to get the documents released.   The couple will not  appear in person at the open hearing in London before Mrs Justice Hogg.   GP Kate and heart consultant Gerry, of Rothley, Leics, are on their first holiday without Madeleine at a secret location.   They will find out it they have won their latest battle from their spokesman Clarence Mitchell. He will accompany the couple's counsel Tim Scott QC to court. The couple hope their application will result in local police opening their files on dozens of reported sightings of Madeleine, who disappeared in May 2007 just before her fourth birthday.   She vanished from their holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, while they dined with pals in a nearby tapas bar.   A legal source close to the couple said: "Kate and Gerry firmly believe that getting hold of information passed onto their county's force will help in the search for their daughter.   "They feel it must be disclosed as a matter of urgency.   "They are fearful that some of the information has not been sufficiently acted upon."   Mr Mitchell said: "Kate and Gerry will not be at the hearing."   The couple have recently taken on a new team of British-based private investigators.   They are being paid from public donations to the Madeleine Fund.

Madeleine McCann parents launch High Court battle for police documents, 07 July 2008

Madeleine McCann parents launch High Court battle for police documents Telegraph   By Laura Clout Last Updated: 8:41AM BST 07/07/2008    Portuguese police believe Madeleine McCann was not abducted and died in her family's holiday apartment, it was claimed.   According to reports in a Portuguese newspaper, "new and strong doubts" about the claim that the three-year-old was snatched are contained in a report handed to prosecutors by police last week.   The reports emerged as Madeleine's parents prepare to launch a High court battle to force British police to release documents about the investigation into her disappearance.   Kate and Gerry McCann, both 40, will not be attending the hearing, which is scheduled for 10.30am before Mrs Justice Hogg. It is understood the couple from Rothley, Leicestershire, are on holiday.   Lawyers for the McCanns are expected to demand access to files held by Leicestershire police, who worked with the Portuguese authorities. Portuguese police recently handed the case files to prosecutors.   Madeleine, then aged three, vanished from the family's holiday apartment in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on May 3 last year.   Last week it was thought today's hearing could be adjourned after it emerged Portuguese police had handed their file to prosecutors recommending the case against the McCanns be dropped due to lack of evidence.   Today's hearing is scheduled to take place in the High Court's family division, although it will be held in open court.   Clarence Mitchell, the McCanns' spokesman, said: "Kate and Gerry have made an application for the disclosure of certain documents relating to the case.   "It's clearly a matter for Mrs Justice Hogg to assess and decide, but we hope a decision will become clear during the hearing."

McCanns Fight For Police Files, 07 July 2008

McCanns Fight For Police Files Sky News   9:37am UK, Monday July 07, 2008   The parents of Madeleine McCann are fighting for British police to release documents about the investigation into their daughter's disappearance.   Kate and Gerry McCann, both 40, will not be attending today's High Court hearing.   It is understood the couple from Rothley, Leicestershire, are on holiday.   But the McCanns' lawyers are expected to ask for Leicestershire Police to disclose certain documents relating to their daughter's disappearance.   Clarence Mitchell, the McCanns' spokesman, said: "Kate and Gerry have made an application for the disclosure of certain documents relating to the case.   "It's clearly a matter for Mrs Justice Hogg to assess and decide, but we hope a decision will become clear during the hearing."   Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt, who is at the hearing, said: "After 14 months they see that the police are getting nowhere.   "They really want the chance for their own investigators to explore any leads, any possible sightings of their daughter that for one reason or another the police have not been able to pursue," he said.   Madeleine was three years old when she vanished from the family's holiday apartment in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on May 3 last year.   Last week it was thought today's hearing could be adjourned after it emerged Portuguese police had handed their file to prosecutors recommending the case against the McCanns be dropped due to lack of evidence.   Today's session is scheduled to take place in the court's family division, although it will be held in open court.

BREAKING NEWS: McCanns To See Police Files, 07 July 2008

McCanns To See Police Files Sky News   Breaking News 11:19am UK, Monday July 07, 2008   The parents of Madeleine McCann have won access to previously secret police files on the disappearance of their daughter.   Their private investigators will now work with 81 files gathered by Leicestershire Police in the days immediately after the toddler vanished.   Today at the High Court, the McCann's lawyers withdrew a bid to force the disclosure of all the information held by the police force.    Kate and Gerry McCann, both 40, did not attend today's High Court hearing.   More follows...   *   McCanns To See Police Files Sky News (update)   Breaking News 12:30pm UK, Monday July 07, 2008   The parents of Madeleine McCann have won access to previously secret police files on the disappearance of their daughter.   Their private investigators will now work with 81 files gathered by Leicestershire Police in the days immediately after the toddler vanished.   Today at the High Court, the McCann's lawyers withdrew a bid to force the disclosure of all the information held by the police force.   Kate and Gerry McCann, both 40, did not attend the High Court hearing.   Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt said: "It sounds like a compromise."   He said Leicestershire Police would now share with the McCanns 81 files - out of some 11,000 different "bits of information" they held on the case.   The parents, who wanted to avoid a legal conflict with the police while at the same time obtaining as much material as possible to help in their continuing search, were content to withdraw their case.   Their spokesman Clarence Mitchell, speaking on the steps of the High Court in London, welcomed the move.   "All of this is important information. We now have 80 new leads for our investigators to work on," he said.   In court, Mrs Justice Hogg urged anyone with information about Madeleine to come forward.   "There is, of course, one person who knows what has happened to Madeleine and where she may be found," the judge said.   "I ponder about that person - whether that person has a heart and might understand what it must be like for Madeleine to have been taken and secreted from her parents and siblings and those she loved and felt secure with.   "I ponder whether that person has a conscience or any feeling of guilt or remorse or even cares about the hurt that has been caused to an innocent little girl, and whether that person has a faith or belief and what explanation or justification they might give to God."   Madeleine was three when she vanished from the family's holiday apartment in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on May 3 last year.   Mitchell added: "Kate and Gerry very much welcome that a compromise has been reached.   "This is very good news for the investigation."

McCanns drop bid to release files, 07 July 2008

McCanns drop bid to release files BBC News   Page last updated at 10:30 GMT, Monday, 7 July 2008 11:30 UK   Kate and Gerry McCann have withdrawn a bid at the High Court for police to release documents on the search for their missing daughter Madeleine.   The move came after Leicestershire Police agreed to disclose 81 pieces of information about the investigation.   Portuguese media last week reported the investigation would be closed because of a lack of evidence.   Madeleine, of Rothley, Leics, went missing in Praia da Luz on 3 May 2007. She was three years old at the time.   *    Police to release Madeleine files BBC News (update)   Page last updated at 11:13 GMT, Monday, 7 July 2008 12:13 UK   Leicestershire Police have agreed to release files on the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann to her parents.   The release of evidence to Kate and Gerry McCann comes after the couple dropped a High Court bid to force it.   Portuguese media last week reported the investigation would be closed because of a lack of evidence.   Madeleine, of Rothley, Leics, went missing in Praia da Luz on 3 May 2007. She was three years old at the time.   Leicestershire Police have been involved in the search for Madeleine since shortly after she went missing.   The McCanns wanted to obtain the information to help in their private investigation into the case.   The family's spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, speaking outside the High Court in London said the information related to calls from members of the public early in the investigation soon after Madeleine disappeared.   He said: "Kate and Gerry McCann welcome this compromise reached with the police.   "If we hadn't gone to court we wouldn't have these 81 pieces [of information handed over] coming in.   "That information now goes to our private investigators, who will work on it, all as a priority.   "Anyone of those could unlock the information that could lead to Madeleine being found."   'Come forward now'   Madeleine's parents were not at the hearing. Mrs Justice Hogg, presiding, said she had not requested their attendance because "they have suffered enough and I wished to ease their burden".   She urged anyone with information on the case to come forward: "There is, of course, one person who knows what has happened to Madeleine and where she may be found.   "I ponder about that person - whether that person has a heart and might understand what it must be like for Madeleine to have been taken and secreted from her parents and siblings and those she loved and felt secure with.   "Whether that person has a conscience or any feeling of guilt or remorse or even cares about the hurt that has been caused to an innocent little girl, and whether that person has a faith or belief and what explanation or justification they might give to God.   "I entreat that person, whoever they may be, to show mercy and compassion and come forward now and tell us where Madeleine is to be found. I hope she will be found soon, alive and well."   Case 'shelved'   On Tuesday, the Portuguese attorney general denied a decision had yet been taken to close the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance.   It followed Portuguese newspaper reports that police would "archive" or "shelve" the case, meaning they would no longer devote resources to investigating it, because of a lack of evidence.   Kate and Gerry McCann remain as official suspects - "arguidos" in Portuguese legal jargon - in the inquiry, along with a third man, Robert Murat.   If the case were to be closed, the McCann family spokesman said, their arguido status should be lifted "as a priority" and all the files of information held by investigators handed over.   *   Police to release Madeleine files BBC News (update)   Page last updated at 12:47 GMT, Monday, 7 July 2008 13:47 UK   Leicestershire Police have agreed to release files on the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann to her parents.   The release of evidence to Kate and Gerry McCann comes after the couple dropped a High Court bid to force it.   Portuguese media last week reported the investigation would be closed because of a lack of evidence.   Madeleine, of Rothley, Leics, went missing in Praia da Luz on 3 May 2007. She was three years old at the time.   Legal challenge   The McCanns' lawyer, Tim Scott QC, confirmed that the information related to telephone calls made to their solicitors and passed on to Leicestershire Constabulary's incident room during the early stages of the inquiry.   The force's chief constable has now agreed to provide contact details and a summary of the information provided by those early callers.   Speaking outside the High Court in London the family's spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, described the 81 pieces of information that the police had agreed to hand over as "potential new leads" that could help in the search for the missing toddler.   He said: "Kate and Gerry McCann welcome this compromise reached with the police. If we hadn't gone to court we wouldn't have these 81 pieces coming in.   "That information now goes to our private investigators, who will work on it, all as a priority. Anyone of those could unlock the information that could lead to Madeleine being found."   James Lewis QC, for the police, it was "vital" to balance the understandable desire of the McCanns to have as much information as possible against the risks of compromising the continuing criminal investigation, damaging future international co-operation and breaching Portuguese law.   He added that the material to be disclosed consisted of 81 pieces of information out of more than 11,000.   'Come forward now'   Madeleine's parents were not at the hearing and Mrs Justice Hogg, presiding, said she had not requested their attendance because "they have suffered enough and I wished to ease their burden".   She urged anyone with information on the case to come forward: "There is, of course, one person who knows what has happened to Madeleine and where she may be found.   "I ponder about that person - whether that person has a heart and might understand what it must be like for Madeleine to have been taken and secreted from her parents and siblings and those she loved and felt secure with.   "Whether that person has a conscience or any feeling of guilt or remorse or even cares about the hurt that has been caused to an innocent little girl, and whether that person has a faith or belief and what explanation or justification they might give to God.   "I entreat that person, whoever they may be, to show mercy and compassion and come forward now and tell us where Madeleine is to be found. I hope she will be found soon, alive and well."   Mr Scott told the judge there was no proof that Madeleine was alive, "but there is not a scrap of evidence that she is not".   Case 'shelved'   On Tuesday, the Portuguese attorney general denied a decision had yet been taken to close the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance.   It followed Portuguese newspaper reports that police would "archive" or "shelve" the case, meaning they would no longer devote resources to investigating it, because of a lack of evidence.   Kate and Gerry McCann remain as official suspects - "arguidos" in Portuguese legal jargon - in the inquiry, along with a third man, Robert Murat.   If the case were to be closed, the McCann family spokesman said, their arguido status should be lifted "as a priority" and all the files of information held by investigators handed over.   Clarence Mitchell speaks outside the High Court - video

Madeleine McCann parents drop court fight as police agree to share records, 07 July 2008

Madeleine McCann parents drop court fight as police agree to share records Guardian   Haroon Siddique 11.45am BST, Monday July 7, 2008   Madeleine McCann's parents today withdrew their high court request for British police to release documents about the investigation into her disappearance.   The legal challenge was withdrawn after a hearing in which Leicestershire police said they would share 81 pieces of information with the McCanns. The information relates to calls received from the public shortly after Madeleine disappeared on May 3 last year.   "Each of these is important information. We have potentially 81 new leads," said the McCanns' spokesman, Clarence Mitchell.   He described the decision by Leicestershire police as "very good news for the investigation". Mitchell said he could not go into details of the information being released but he hoped more would be forthcoming.   "The critical thing is that this is early information and potentially strong information," he said.   Kate and Gerry McCann, both 40, were not at the hearing. Mitchell thanked Mrs Justice Hogg on their behalf for pointing out that there was no evidence that Madeleine had been harmed or was dead. He said there were 11,000 pieces of information held in total and just one could provide the clue to her whereabouts.   Madeleine, then three, vanished from the family's holiday apartment in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz while her parents were having dinner in a restaurant nearby. Last week it emerged that Portuguese police had handed their file to prosecutors recommending that the case against the McCanns be dropped due to lack of evidence.

McCanns win right to see key evidence about Madeleine's disappearance, 07 July 2008

McCanns win right to see key evidence about Madeleine's disappearance Mail on Sunday   By NICOLA BODEN Last updated at 12:03 PM on 07th July 2008   The parents of Madeleine McCann today won the right to see key documents held by British police relating to her disappearance.   Leicestershire Police agreed to hand over 81 pieces of information gathered as part of the investigation into her disappearance.   The couple had taken the force to the High Court in their battle to have the documents disclosed but withdrew the legal bid after they were granted limited access to the evidence.   Mr and Mrs McCann hope they will contain vital information to help their own hunt for Madeleine, who disappeared 14 months ago.   They plan to hand over the files to their team of private investigators immediately so that any new leads can be followed up without delay.   They were not at the hearing in London today and are understood to be on holiday with their other children, twins Sean and Amelie.   It is their first family holiday since their eldest child vanished from their holiday home in Praia da Luz last May.   Their spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, speaking outside court, said: 'This is important information.   'They are potentially 80 new leads for our private investigators to work with and that will be done as an absolute priority.   'Bearing in mind this is from people who contacted Kate and Gerry and the police in the early stages of the investigation, this is very good news for the investigation.'   He added that the McCanns hoped they would be given access to even more information once their 'arguido' status is lifted by Portuguese police.   'We all hope that will happen very soon, if recent reports in Portugal are to be believed', Mr Mitchell said.   Although reluctant to fight with police, the McCanns are desperate to gather as much material as possible as they continue to hunt for their daughter.   At today's hearing in the High Court's family division, the judge revealed she had not asked them to attend because she thought they had 'suffered enough'.   'I wished to ease their burden,' Mrs Justice Hogg told the court, before issuing an impassioned plea for Madeleine's abductor to show mercy and come forward.   She said: 'There is, of course, one person who knows what has happened to Madeleine and where she may be found.   'I ponder about that person - whether that person has a heart and might understand what it must be like for Madeleine to have been taken and secreted from her parents and siblings and those she loved and felt secure with.   'I ponder whether that person has a conscience or any feeling of guilt or remorse or even cares about the hurt that has been caused to an innocent little girl, and whether that person has a faith or belief and what explanation or justification they might give to God.   'I entreat that person, whoever they may be, to show mercy and compassion and come forward now and tell us where Madeleine is to be found. I hope she will be found soon, alive and well.'   Today's victory came after it emerged Mrs McCann had made a desperate plea to a holidaymaker to give evidence about a man seen acting suspiciously before Madeleine appeared.   She was said to have rung Paul Gordon in tears two weeks ago to beg him to give a statement to the private investigators working for her and her husband.   Mr Gordon, 34, who rented the same apartment in Praia da Luz as the McCanns a week earlier, confronted a stranger outside the flat who claimed to be a charity collector.   He gave a statement to police at the time and a photofit image compiled from his description of the man was created, but the picture was never released.   Mrs McCann allegedly wanted him to supply a fresh statement and photofit to private investigators searching for Madeleine but her request was apparently turned down.   A police source said Mr Gordon, from Fareham, Hampshire, had turned down the plea because he had already given a statement about the prowler to Leicestershire Police.   The source said Mrs McCann was 'apparently in tears during the whole conversation'.   It is not known whether his evidence is part of the limited number the force has said it will now release.   Madeleine, then just three, vanished from the family's holiday apartment in Portugal on May 3 last year.   Her parents launched an international campaign to find her but four months later, they were both made formal suspects in her disappearance.   They have always strenuously denied any involvement and last week it was claimed they were about to be cleared.   There were reports Portuguese detectives had ended their 14-month investigation and found no evidence against the McCanns or the only other formal suspect, British ex-pat Robert Murat.   The couple demanded their names be cleared following the claims and were said to be hoping to be formally exonerated within days.   McCanns win right to see key evidence about Madeleine's disappearance Mail on Sunday (update)   By NICOLA BODEN Last updated at 3:26 PM on 07th July 2008   The parents of Madeleine McCann today won the right to see key documents held by British police relating to her disappearance.   Leicestershire Police agreed to hand over 81 pieces of information gathered as part of the investigation into her disappearance.   They relate to evidence given by witnesses in the early days after Madeleine vanished and are thought to involve tip-offs and possible sightings.   The couple had taken the force to the High Court in their battle to have the documents disclosed but withdrew the legal bid after they were granted limited access to the evidence.   Mr and Mrs McCann hope they will contain vital information to help their own hunt for Madeleine, who disappeared 14 months ago.   They plan to hand over the files to their team of private investigators immediately so that any new leads can be followed up without delay.   They were not at the hearing in London today because they are on holiday with their other children, twins Sean and Amelie, the court was told.   It is their first family holiday since their eldest child vanished from their holiday home in Praia da Luz last May.   Their spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, speaking outside court, said: 'This is important information.   'They are potentially 80 new leads for our private investigators to work with and that will be done as an absolute priority.   'Bearing in mind this is from people who contacted Kate and Gerry and the police in the early stages of the investigation, this is very good news for the investigation.'   He added that the McCanns hoped they would be given access to even more information once their 'arguido' status is lifted by Portuguese police.   'We all hope that will happen very soon, if recent reports in Portugal are to be believed', Mr Mitchell said.   Although reluctant to fight with police, the McCanns are desperate to gather as much material as possible as they continue to hunt for their daughter.   At today's hearing in the High Court's family division, the judge revealed she had not asked them to attend because she thought they had 'suffered enough'.   'I wished to ease their burden,' Mrs Justice Hogg told the court, before issuing an impassioned plea for Madeleine's abductor to show mercy and come forward.   She said: 'There is, of course, one person who knows what has happened to Madeleine and where she may be found.   'I ponder about that person - whether that person has a heart and might understand what it must be like for Madeleine to have been taken and secreted from her parents and siblings and those she loved and felt secure with.   'I ponder whether that person has a conscience or any feeling of guilt or remorse or even cares about the hurt that has been caused to an innocent little girl, and whether that person has a faith or belief and what explanation or justification they might give to God.   'I entreat that person, whoever they may be, to show mercy and compassion and come forward now and tell us where Madeleine is to be found. I hope she will be found soon, alive and well.'   Mr Mitchell said the McCanns would be 'strengthened and touched' by the judge's comments.   'It was immensely kind. In the context of the courtroom, it was a statement she did not have to make. It was extremely supportive and very generous and kind. I know Kate and Gerry will be incredibly touched,' he said.   The result today is only a partial victory for the McCanns because they are only being given access to 81 pieces of a massive 11,000 pieces of evidence held by the British force.   Their lawyer, Tim Scott QC, said they related to phone calls made to the McCanns' solicitors and passed on to the Leicester control room at the start of the inquiry.   He told the court today that there was no proof Madeleine was alive although 'there is not a scrap of evidence that she is not'.   The McCanns' case arose after they were given a wide order by the High Court requiring anyone on whom it was served to disclose relevant information on the case.   The police were among those served with the order, sparking serious issues about the conflict between the public interest and keeping confidentiality in investigations.   The Serious Organised Crimes Agency and the Attorney General intervened to advance their own arguments on public policy.   Mr Scott said it became clear that areas of law of great interest to lawyers would have to be considered.   'Gerry and Kate McCann are not lawyers and so far as they were concerned the legal proceedings were moving further and further from the only matter which concerns them - the search for Madeleine.   'The proceedings were in danger of becoming a distraction from, rather than an aid to, that single goal,' he said.   The deal struck with police means the couple will be given contact details and a summary of information given by the early callers.   James Lewis QC, for the police, said it was vital to balance the understandable desire of the McCanns to have as much information as possible against the risks of compromising the continuing criminal investigation, damaging future international co-operation and breaching Portuguese law.   The chief constable has now agreed to provide contact details and a summary of the information provided by those early callers.   Approving the settlement of the case, the judge amended her original wide disclosure order to state that it did not apply to any UK law enforcement agency.   A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Police later said: 'Today in court the public will have been made aware of the immense effort that the UK law enforcement agencies, led by Leicestershire Constabulary, have dedicated to the search for Madeleine.   'Tim Scott QC, appearing for the McCanns, commented that these proceedings could be a diversion from the primary objective, which is the search to discover what happened to Madeleine when she disappeared.   We agree and on that basis we don't intend to comment further at this stage.'   Madeleine, then just three, vanished from the family's holiday apartment in Portugal on May 3 last year.   Her parents launched an international campaign to find her but four months later, they were both made formal suspects in her disappearance.   They have always strenuously denied any involvement and last week it was claimed they were about to be cleared.   There were reports Portuguese detectives had ended their 14-month investigation and found no evidence against the McCanns or the only other formal suspect, British ex-pat Robert Murat.   The couple demanded their names be cleared following the claims and were said to be hoping to be formally exonerated within days.

McCanns drop court action as police release files, 07 July 2008

McCanns drop court action as police release files Independent   PA Monday, 7 July 2008   Police agreed today to hand over evidence about Madeleine McCann's disappearance to her parents.   As a result, Kate and Gerry McCann dropped their High Court bid to force disclosure of the information held by Leicestershire police.   The force has been involved in the search for Madeleine since shortly after she disappeared 14 months ago.   The parents, who wanted to avoid a legal conflict with the police or other agencies while at the same time obtaining as much material as possible to help in their continuing search, were content to withdraw their case.   Their spokesman Clarence Mitchell, speaking on the steps of the High Court in London, welcomed the move.   Mr and Mrs McCann were not present at the hearing in London. Mrs Justice Hogg said she had not asked for their attendance because "they have suffered enough and I wished to ease their burden".   The judge urged anyone with information about the missing girl to come forward.   "There is, of course, one person who knows what has happened to Madeleine and where she may be found," the judge said.   "I ponder about that person - whether that person has a heart and might understand what it must be like for Madeleine to have been taken and secreted from her parents and siblings and those she loved and felt secure with.   "I ponder whether that person has a conscience or any feeling of guilt or remorse or even cares about the hurt that has been caused to an innocent little girl, and whether that person has a faith or belief and what explanation or justification they might give to God.   "I entreat that person, whoever they may be, to show mercy and compassion and come forward now and tell us where Madeleine is to be found.   "I hope she will be found soon, alive and well."

Victory for McCanns, 07 July 2008

Victory for McCanns Liverpool Echo   BEN ROSSINGTON JUL 7 2008   THE parents of missing youngster Madeleine McCann today withdrew a High Court claim to get access to secret police files.   The McCanns' lawyers had asked for Leicestershire police to disclose certain documents relating to Maddie’s disappearance in Portugal in May 2007.   And an agreement was today reached for 81 pieces of information about the investigation to be handed over.   Under Portuguese law, evidence put together by police is kept secret by the investigation team from everyone, including the despairing family.   But last week it emerged Portuguese police recommended the case against the McCanns – Liverpool- born Kate and her husband, Gerry – be dropped due to lack of evidence.

Police hand over evidence to Kate and Gerry McCann, 07 July 2008

Police hand over evidence to Kate and Gerry McCann Daily Mirror   By Mirror.co.uk 7/07/2008   Police have today agreed to hand over 81 pieces of information to Kate and Gerry McCann relating to the investigation into Maddy's disappearance.   The couple have withdrawn their High Court bid to force disclosure after Leicestershire Police agreed to release the information.   The McCanns hope it will contain vital evidence to help their own hunt for Madeleine, who disappeared 14 months ago.   They plan to hand over the files to their team of private investigators immediately so that any new leads can be followed up without delay.   Mr and Mrs McCann, both 40, were not present at the hearing in London as they were on holiday with their twins, Sean and Amelie.   Mrs Justice Hogg said she had not asked for their attendance because "they have suffered enough and I wished to ease their burden".   The judge urged anyone with information about Maddy to come forward.   "There is, of course, one person who knows what has happened to Madeleine and where she may be found," the judge said.   "I ponder about that person - whether that person has a heart and might understand what it must be like for Madeleine to have been taken and secreted from her parents and siblings and those she loved and felt secure with.   "I ponder whether that person has a conscience or any feeling of guilt or remorse or even cares about the hurt that has been caused to an innocent little girl, and whether that person has a faith or belief and what explanation or justification they might give to God.   "I entreat that person, whoever they may be, to show mercy and compassion and come forward now and tell us where Madeleine is to be found.   "I hope she will be found soon, alive and well."   The McCanns' spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, said outside court the couple would very much welcome the 80 pieces of information which the police had agreed to release.   "These are 80 potential new leads. We have information we can work on," he said.   The couple were also looking forward to much greater disclosure of information once their status as "arguidos" or formal suspects was, as expected, lifted by the Portuguese authorities.   Mr Mitchell said: "They will be strengthened and touched by what Mrs Justice Hogg said.   "It was immensely kind. In the context of the courtroom, it was a statement she did not have to make. It was extremely supportive and very generous and kind.   "I know Kate and Gerry will be incredibly touched."   Madeleine vanished from the family's holiday apartment in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on May 3 last year shortly before her fourth birthday.   No one has been arrested or charged in connection with her abduction.   The couple's counsel, Tim Scott QC, told the judge today there was no proof that Madeleine was alive, "but there is not a scrap of evidence that she is not".

Cops hand 80 files to McCanns, 07 July 2008

Cops hand 80 files to McCanns The Sun    By STAFF REPORTERS  Published: Today   MADELEINE McCann's parents will finally be granted access to 80 police files about their daughter's disappearance after cops agreed to hand over evidence today.   As a result, Kate and Gerry McCann dropped their High Court bid, taking place in London today, to force disclosure of the information held by Leicestershire police.   The force has been involved in the search for Madeleine since shortly after she disappeared 14 months ago.   The McCanns, who wanted to obtain as much material as possible to help in their continuing search, were content to withdraw their case.   Their spokesman Clarence Mitchell, speaking on the steps of the High Court in London, said the couple would very much welcome the 80 pieces of information which the police had agreed to release.   "These are 80 potential new leads. We have information we can work on," he said.   The couple were also looking forward to much greater disclosure of information once their status as "arguidos" or formal suspects was, as expected, lifted by the Portuguese authorities, he said.   Burden   Kate and Gerry, both 40, were not present at today's hearing.   Mrs Justice Hogg said she had not asked for their attendance because "they have suffered enough and I wished to ease their burden".   The judge urged anyone with information about the missing girl to come forward.   "There is, of course, one person who knows what has happened to Madeleine and where she may be found," the judge said.   "I ponder about that person - whether that person has a heart and might understand what it must be like for Madeleine to have been taken and secreted from her parents and siblings and those she loved and felt secure with.   "I ponder whether that person has a conscience or any feeling of guilt or remorse or even cares about the hurt that has been caused to an innocent little girl, and whether that person has a faith or belief and what explanation or justification they might give to God.   "I entreat that person, whoever they may be, to show mercy and compassion and come forward now and tell us where Madeleine is to be found.   "I hope she will be found soon, alive and well."   Mr Mitchell added: "They will be strengthened and touched by what Mrs Justice Hogg said.   "It was immensely kind. In the context of the courtroom, it was a statement she did not have to make. It was extremely supportive and very generous and kind.   "I know Kate and Gerry will be incredibly touched."   Madeleine vanished from the family's holiday apartment in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on May 3 last year shortly before her fourth birthday. No one has been arrested or charged in connection with her abduction.   The couple's counsel, Tim Scott QC, told the judge today there was no proof that Madeleine was alive, "but there is not a scrap of evidence that she is not".   He said the McCanns acknowledged the enormous effort devoted to the search by Leicestershire Police and other law enforcement agencies.   Shortly after their daughter disappeared, the judge, in the High Court Family division, granted them a wide order requiring anyone on whom it was served to disclose relevant information to their solicitors.   The police were among those served with the order and serious issues then arose about the public interest in maintaining confidentiality of police investigations.   The Serious Organised Crimes Agency and the Attorney General intervened to advance their own arguments on public policy.   Mr Scott said it became clear that areas of law of great interest to lawyers would have to be considered.   "Gerry and Kate McCann are not lawyers and so far as they were concerned the legal proceedings were moving further and further from the only matter which concerns them - the search for Madeleine.   "The proceedings were in danger of becoming a distraction from, rather than an aid to, that single goal," he said.   The news comes after Kate made a tearful call to a holidaymaker who reported a man acting suspiciously before her daughter disappeared.   Paul Gordon, 32, said a "creepy" man asked him for cash when he was staying in Praia da Luz, Portugal, last year.   The man approached him when he was renting the flat from where Madeleine, then three, was snatched the next week.   Kate begged him to give his evidence to the Spanish private investigators probing the case for her.   But the brewery manager, of Fareham, Hants, said no as he had already spoken to police.   Portuguese cops have refused to release Mr Gordon's e-fit of the man, saying it may prejudice a future court case.

Madeleine McCann parents gain access to police files, 07 July 2008

Madeleine McCann parents gain access to police files Telegraph   By Gordon Rayner, Chief Reporter Last Updated: 12:23PM BST 07/07/2008   Kate and Gerry McCann have been given fresh hope of a breakthrough in the search for their missing daughter Madeleine after police agreed to give them access to some of their files on the case.   Leicestershire police will share 81 pieces of information with the couple, most of them thought to relate to reported sightings of the four-year-old, which will now be passed on to private detectives working for the McCanns.   As the two parties reached the compromise at the High Court in London, Mrs Justice Hogg made an extraordinary plea to Madeleine's abductor to "show mercy and compassion" and reveal her whereabouts.   She said: "There is, of course, one person who knows what has happened to Madeleine and where she may be found.   "I ponder about that person – whether that person has a heart and might understand what it must be like for Madeleine to have been taken and secreted from her parents and siblings and those she loved and felt secure with.   "I ponder whether that person has a conscience or any feeling of guilt or remorse or even cares about the hurt that has been caused to an innocent little girl, and whether that person has a faith or belief and what explanation or justification they might give to God.   "I entreat that person, whoever they may be, to show mercy and compassion and come forward now and tell us where Madeleine is to be found.   "I hope she will be found soon, alive and well."   Mrs Justice Hogg, who has effectively been Madeleine's legal guardian since her parents applied for her to be made a ward of court last year, said she had excused the McCanns from attending the hearing because "they have suffered enough and I wished to ease their burden".   The couple had applied for the court hearing in a bid to force Leicestershire police to disclose information which had either been passed on to them by Portuguese police or which had come to them directly from members of the public.   They are particularly anxious to follow up any tip-offs from the public or other leads which police may not have had the resources to investigate thoroughly.   But the couple, from Rothley, Leics., agreed to withdraw the application after reaching a compromise with the force, which agreed to share 81 pieces of information.   The McCanns will now pass on the information to Metodo 3, the Spanish-based detective agency which has been following up reported sightings independently of the police, for them to conduct their own inquiries.   Clarence Mitchell, the McCanns' spokesman, said the couple hoped the agreement would lead to further information being shared with them by police, particularly if their status as official suspects, or arguidos, in Portugal is lifted in coming weeks.   The McCanns had initially applied to the court to ask for the handing over of 11,000 piece of information, and Mr Mitchell said: "Ideally, we had hoped to see all of it. This is a compromise, we are very grateful for the 81 pieces of information but we hope there will be many more, particularly if the Portuguese police remove the arguido status in the next few weeks, as it has been widely reported that they will."

Madeleine McCann: Judge's plea, 07 July 2008

Madeleine McCann: Judge's plea Telegraph   Last Updated: 1:23PM BST 07/07/2008   This is the full text of the judge's plea for help in the search for Madeleine:   "I know the police authorities and other official law enforcement agencies in this country, in Portugal and elsewhere have striven and will continue to strive to trace Madeleine.   "I urge anyone who has any information however small or tenuous to come forward now so that further inquiries can be made.   "There is, of course, at least one person who knows what has happened to Madeleine, and where she may be found.   "I ponder about that person: whether that person has a heart and can understand what it must be like for Madeleine to have been torn and secreted from her parents and siblings whom she loves and felt secure with, and whom she no doubt misses and grieves for.   "Whether that person has a conscience or any feeling of guilt, remorse or even cares about the hurt which has been caused to an innocent little girl: whether that person has a faith and belief, and what explanation or justification that person will give to God.   "I entreat that person, whoever and wherever you may be, to show mercy and compassion and come forward now to tell us where Madeleine is to be found.   "I hope and pray that Madeleine will be found very soon alive and well."   The judge added that Madeleine would remain a ward of court until further order.

Judge's impassioned plea to Madeleine abductor: 'Show mercy', 08 July 2008

Judge's impassioned plea to Madeleine abductor: 'Show mercy' Daily Mail   By VANESSA ALLEN Last updated at 12:01 AM on 08th July 2008   A High Court judge yesterday begged Madeleine McCann's abductor to 'show mercy and come forward'.   In an astonishing plea, Mrs Justice Hogg called for an end to Kate and Gerry McCann's 14 months of suffering and said she prayed Madeleine would be found alive soon.   The judge gave the couple fresh hope in the hunt for their missing daughter by ordering the police to hand over a dossier containing the details of 81 potential witnesses.   She said Leicestershire Police should pass on information about those who had tried to contact the McCanns in the immediate aftermath of their daughter's disappearance in Portugal days before her fourth birthday.   In an impassioned speech, given as part of her ruling, the judge pleaded with other witnesses to come forward to end the mystery surrounding Madeleine's disappearance on May 3 last year from the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz.   'There is, of course, at least one person who knows what has happened to Madeleine, and where she may be found,' she said.   'I ponder about that person, whether that person has a heart and can understand what it must be like for Madeleine to have been torn and secreted from her parents and siblings whom she loves and felt secure with, and whom no doubt (she) misses and grieves for.   'Whether that person has a conscience or any feeling of guilt, remorse or even cares about the hurt which has been caused to an innocent little girl, whether that person has a faith and belief, and what explanation or justification that person will give to God.   'I entreat that person, whoever and wherever you may be, to show mercy and compassion and come forward now to tell us where Madeleine is to be found.   'I hope and pray that Madeleine will be found very soon, alive and well.'   Mrs Justice Hogg's plea was made all the more extraordinary by the fact that the McCanns, both 40, remain official suspects in the case.   But there is growing confidence that their arguido status will be lifted soon, as the Portuguese police investigation is expected to be formally completed within weeks.   The couple, both doctors from Rothley, Leicestershire, did not attend the hearing at the High Court in London as they are on holiday with their twins Sean and Amelie  -  their first holiday since Madeleine's disappearance.   The 61-year-old judge said she had told their lawyers they did not have to attend court. 'They have suffered enough, and I wished to ease their burden,' she said. 'They have behaved responsibly and reasonably throughout.'   The judge's unequivocal support for the McCanns is likely to attract criticism in Portugal, where there has been resentment over perceived interference in the case by the British Government.   Mr and Mrs McCann won support from the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary David Miliband in the aftermath of Madeleine's disappearance, although all direct contact with the couple stopped after they were named as official suspects.   Their spokesman Clarence Mitchell said they were ' strengthened and touched' by the judge's words.   He said the couple's private detectives would examine the new information from Leicestershire Police, adding: 'It only takes one piece of information that could lead us to Madeleine.'   The couple had asked the court to order the police force to hand over every scrap of information relating to their daughter's disappearance.   Leicestershire Police refused to do so, arguing that it should not be forced to reveal details of investigations, but agreed to hand over details of the 81 witnesses who had attempted to contact the McCanns directly.   Tim Scott QC, for the McCanns, said the couple expected to have access to more information in Portugal when the case there is formally closed.   Mrs Justice Hogg, a mother of two, is the daughter of the former Lord Chancellor, Lord Hailsham, and the sister of former Agriculture Minister Douglas Hogg.

Judge plea to Madeleine McCann's abductor, 08 July 2008

Judge plea to Madeleine McCann's abductor Daily Mirror   By Martin Fricker 8/07/2008   A high court judge yesterday appealed directly to Madeleine McCann's adductor to return the little girl to her mum and dad.   Mrs Justice Hogg - a mother of two - said: "There is one person who knows what has happened to Madeleine and where she can be found.   "I ponder about that person and whether that person has a heart and can understand what it must be like for Madeleine to be torn and secreted from her parents and siblings with whom she felt safe and secure with and whom no doubt misses and grieves for.   "I entreat that person to show mercy and compassion and to come forward now to tell where Madeleine may be found."   She was speaking as Kate and Gerry McCann yesterday dropped their London High Court bid to force their local police force to hand over all their information on Maddy's disappearance. Instead, Leicestershire Police promised them limited access to case files.   The couple will be given details of 81 people who gave tips or other information in the weeks after Madeleine vanished. It will be passed on to their legal team to continue the hunt for Madeleine.   The McCanns' spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: "They will be strengthened and touched by what Mrs Justice Hogg said." Madeleine, now five, vanished from a holiday flat in Praia de Luz, Portugal, in May last year.

Judge begs Maddie fiend: Where is she?, 08 July 2008

Judge begs Maddie fiend: Where is she? The Sun   By ANTONELLA LAZZERI Published: Today   A HIGH Court judge yesterday urged Madeleine McCann's kidnapper to tell her parents where she is.   In a highly unusual move, Mrs Justice Hogg urged the abductor to show "compassion and mercy" — and surrender to cops.   The judge, a mum-of-two, said in an emotional appeal at London's High Court: "There is one person who knows what happened to Madeleine and where she can be found.   "I ponder about that person and if they have a heart and understand what it might be like for Madeleine to be torn from her parents and siblings with whom she felt safe and secure and who she loves.   "I wonder if that person has a conscience, any feelings of guilt or remorse, or even cares about the hurt caused to an innocent little girl. Whether that person has a faith, belief — or explanation and justification they will give to God."   She added: "I entreat that person to show mercy and compassion and tell us where Madeleine can be found. I hope and pray she will be found soon alive and well."   The 61-year-old judge spoke after a hearing at which Kate and Gerry McCann planned to demand British police hand over information they gained during the 14-month investigation into Maddie’s disappearance.   The McCanns of Rothley, Leics, want the info for their private investigators. But Leicestershire Police refused, saying confidentiality of future investigations may be compromised.   They also claimed that as they were liaising with Portuguese cops and the McCanns are arguidos — official suspects — they should not have to give them evidence.   Kate and Gerry were not in court as they were on their first family holiday abroad with their three-year-old twins since Maddie disappeared in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007.   Yesterday they withdrew the action after police agreed to hand over 81 leads. But they refused to give them another 11,000.   The McCanns' barrister told the judge they were hopeful that once their arguido status was lifted, more information would be given to them.   Family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said the pair were pleased with the outcome. Speaking of the judge's comments he added: "Gerry and Kate will be touched by the remarks."

Cops give up Maddie dossiers!, 08 July 2008

Cops give up Maddie dossiers! Daily Star   By Jerry Lawton 8th July 2008   POLICE yesterday agreed to show Madeleine McCann's parents 81 witness statements.   The couple's detectives will study the confidential documents and re-interview the witnesses.   And High Court Judge Mrs Justice Hogg urged whoever might be holding the "innocent little girl" to give her back. Her GP mum Kate and heart consultant dad Gerry, both 40, had threatened to take Leicestershire Police to court to gain access to the files.   But the force – heading the investigation in the UK – caved in before the hearing.   Detectives agreed to show the McCanns 81 of 11,000 documents gathered in the days after Madeleine, then aged three, vanished from an apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3 last year.   They include details of witnesses who saw "suspicious" people.   The McCanns, who are still suspects, will not be allowed to see evidence relating to themselves or seven Brit friends they dined with in a tapas bar when Madeleine disappeared.   At the court in London, the judge said: "There is, of course, one person who knows what has happened to Madeleine and where she may be found.   "I ponder about that person – whether that person has a heart and might understand what it must be like for Madeleine to have been taken and secreted from her parents and siblings and those she loved and felt secure with.   "I entreat that person, whoever they may be, to show mercy and compassion and come forward now and tell us where Madeleine is to be found."   Last night the McCanns' spokesman Clarence Mitchell said the couple – who are on holiday and were not at the hearing – were "very pleased" with the Brit police's decision.   He added Kate and Gerry would "draw great strength" from Mrs Justice Hogg's supportive comments.’

No Breakthrough For McCanns, 08 July 2008

No Breakthrough For McCanns Sky News   Martin Brunt July 8, 2008 12:43 PM   Not sure I share Clarence Mitchell's optimism over the McCanns' victory in getting access to some of the Leicestershire police files on the Madeleine investigation.   Outside the High Court he talked of "80 potential new leads."   But they're not new. They've been in police hands for a year or more and haven't led to any breakthrough.   The McCanns are to get contact details of witnesses and only a summary of what they reported to police.   Will those witnesses want to be requestioned by the family's own investigators?   And how much of the vital detail will they be able to recall?   In court the McCanns' barrister said it was "expected that Kate and Gerry's status as arguidos or suspects will be lifted soon."   Not sure they can rely completely on that happening, either.

Kate and Gerry win battle, 08 July 2008

Kate and Gerry win battle 24horas   Leicester police gives in to McCanns in a decision of the British High Court   Text: Rute Coelho 08 July 2008 Thanks to Joana Morais for translation    Maddie's parents will be able to access 81 files from the English police with the contacts of people who offered clues about sightings of their daughter   It was a victory for the McCanns. During a session that was held at the British High Court yesterday, the Leicestershire police agreed to deliver 81 files out of a total of 11 thousand that are in their hands to Kate and Gerry's lawyers. Those are documents that are part of the English inquiry only and that "are related to clues and information about sightings of Maddie that were delivered by people from various parts of the world to the police in Leicester, by telephone, email or letter", the McCanns' spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, clarified to 24horas. "This is information that was advanced to the police during the early stages of the case, that is, until three weeks after Madeleine's disappearance". Each one of those 81 files contains the name of a witness, his or her contact and a summary of the information that was given. Since yesterday, the McCanns' lawyers and the private detectives at the couple's service can contact those witnesses and again follow leads that were already investigated by the English police. It was judge Justice Hogg, from the Family section of the British High Court, who managed this compromise between the police and the McCanns. The police didn't want to Due to the fact that Kate and Gerry place their daughter's case under the guardianship of the High Court, judge Justice Hogg ordered, one month ago, for any relevant information to locate the little girl should be made available to the McCanns, including documents from the English police. The Leicestershire police defied the judge's order and did not comply. Thus, yesterday's session was scheduled. A deal was reached. According to Mitchell, the couple's lawyers said in court that "this decision does not affect the Portuguese law". Judge Justice Hogg "expressed during the session that Maddie may still be alive and her solidarity towards the parents", Mitchell reported. "Whoever holds information concerning her whereabouts should look into his conscience and into his heart", the magistrate referred. Kate and Gerry received the yielding from the English police with pleasure. "It just goes to show their power" "The decision from the British justice says a lot about the power and the influence that the McCanns hold", a source from the Polícia Judiciária commented to 24horas. The same source remembers that the secrecy of justice is not at issue "because the files that were released by the Leicestershire police were not shared with the PJ at the level of judiciary cooperation and are not very relevant". The Leicestershire police even created a "special unit to investigate the case and has its own ongoing process". "With a parallel process at the British police and the diligences that were made by the private detectives, one feels like asking: What about results? The PJ is the only entity that is criticised and the truth is that the only advances that were made in the case were within the Judiciária's investigation", the source concludes. The McCanns are only waiting for the judicial secrecy to be lifted.