A SOLICITOR attempted to launch a private prosecution against the parents of
Madeleine McCann today on grounds of alleged child neglect.
Anthony Bennett faxed an application for a court summons of Gerry and Kate
McCann to magistrates in the couple’s home county of Leicestershire
this morning.
The lawyer, who previously failed in an attempt to bring a private prosecution
against entertainer Michael Barrymore over alleged drugs offences on the night
of Stuart Lubbock’s death, also sent Loughborough Magistrates’ Court six pages
of “evidence” to support the summons.
Mr Bennett, 60, a father of two, said his move was sparked by a “lack of
action” by the Leicestershire authorities, and comments made by the McCanns’
spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, that their actions while on holiday were typical
of many British families.
The former UK Independence Party prospective parliamentary candidate from
Harlow, in Essex, said: “I think the case is
very simple. By the McCanns’ own admission they have left their own children
unattended for a significant period of time.
“What troubles me is that there has been no prosecution by the relevant
authorities, namely Leicestershire Police and Leicestershire social services.
“I was also prompted by the comments of Clarence Mitchell, who said on
television that the McCanns’ actions were no different to what many British
parents do.”
Mr Bennett, a self-employed rights adviser who is also qualified as a social
worker, added: “I think this matter should be put before the court. Do we want
a society in which it is acceptable to leave children alone?
“If the application concentrates people’s minds on whether it should ever be
acceptable to leave children on their own then I will have achieved what I set
out to achieve.”
He said he hoped the prosecution would be taken on by Leicestershire County
Council or Leicestershire Police.
He said: “I would be delighted if they took over this prosecution, but I just
feel that, given the publicity surrounding this case, someone should stand up
for neglected children.”
Madeleine, now four, went missing from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal,
on May 3, while her parents dined nearby.
Mr Bennett alleges that the couple, from Rothley in Leicestershire, were guilty
of neglecting Madeleine and their two-year-old twins, Sean and Amelie, under
Section 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933. It is a claim the McCanns
strenuously deny.
Mr Mitchell said: “We will not comment on this, other than to say Kate and
Gerry have committed no offence under UK law, indeed any other country’s law.
“They regret very much that they were not with Madeleine when she was taken,
and are doing everything in their power to find her.”
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