The McCann v Gonçalo Amaral libel trial as it happens.

[ferryman]

Presumably because to do so would have been a pre-judgement of the case without hearing any of the evidence.

Logically it has to be something like that.

In England, that certainly would have scuppered Amaral's defence, but the two systems are very different, I know ...

[John]

Reminder to all members to abide by the forum rules.  A certain amount of freedom has been allowed over the festive period but this is not a licence to break the rules.

Please treat others members with respect when replying to posts.

[Carana]

There is one thing I would love to know, and Jean-Pierre would probably be best qualified to answer.

At the outset, Snr Santos pleaded with the court to let proceedings be in camera to protect Madeleine lest Madeleine be alive.

Considering that Amaral is defending the right, not merely to say Madeleine is dead, but that Kate and Gerry caused her death, know she is dead, covered up the fact of her death, and launched a fraudulent "appeal" in Madeleine's name, why did not that astonishing request lead to an instant collapse of Amaral's defence?

Is he covered by Tavares de Amaral's interim report?

[Mr Gray]

There is one thing I would love to know, and Jean-Pierre would probably be best qualified to answer.

At the outset, Snr Santos pleaded with the court to let proceedings be in camera to protect Madeleine lest Madeleine be alive.

Considering that Amaral is defending the right, not merely to say Madeleine is dead, but that Kate and Gerry caused her death, know she is dead, covered up the fact of her death, and launched a fraudulent "appeal" in Madeleine's name, why did not that astonishing request lead to an instant collapse of Amaral's defence?

perhaps amarals lawyer hadn't thought things through

 

[stephen25000]

perhaps amarals lawyer hadn't thought things through

 

>@@(*&)

Don't count your chickens yet.

[Mr Gray]

It wont really make a lot of difference to the McCanns if they lose...they have been as good as cleared now and no one really takes any notice of amaral with the papers calling him a disgraced cop. I amaral lose its a diffrent story.....

[John]

It wont really make a lot of difference to the McCanns if they lose...they have been as good as cleared now and no one really takes any notice of amaral with the papers calling him a disgraced cop. I amaral lose its a diffrent story.....

In what way have they been 'cleared'?  I don't recall Madeleine being found or even seen since 2007?

As far as the libel trial is concerned, if they lose again in Portugal the consequences for them could be far reaching as is an European Arrest Warrant.

[Mr Gray]

In what way have they been 'cleared'?  I don't recall Madeleine being found or even seen since 2007?

 The ag report say there was no evidence of any crime committed by them and SY say they are not suspects..thats cleared enough for me ..

[John]

The ag report say there was no evidence of any crime committed by them and SY say they are not suspects..thats cleared enough for me ..

Are you reading the same AG Report as everyone else Dave?  The crime just like the perpetrator(s) are unknown.  Stating that someone is not a suspect is a very long way from stating they are innocent but then you know that don't you?

[Benice]

It wont really make a lot of difference to the McCanns if they lose...they have been as good as cleared now and no one really takes any notice of amaral with the papers calling him a disgraced cop. I amaral lose its a diffrent story.....

If the McCanns don't win the 'libel' side of the case - then the little bit of faith I have in the PT legal system will vanish completely.     However, I don't see how anyone can quantify the damage his book has done to the search for Madeleine and so won't be surprised if that part fails.

I agree the McCann won't be overly concerned now that the case has been re-opened - particularly about compensation.  It's clear to me that their only problem was with Amaral being able to live the high life on money made out of their little girl.    That's really rubbing salt into their wounds and I would feel exactly the same.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In what way have they been 'cleared'?  I don't recall Madeleine being found or even seen since 2007?

As far as the libel trial is concerned, if they lose again in Portugal the consequences for them could be far reaching as is an European Arrest Warrant.

Can you elaborate on this John?

If this is indeed a risk, it begs once more the question of why on earth they embarked on this trial.

[Redblossom]

I don' think one can second guess the judge's reasons. Suffice it to say that their input is not consider3ed relevant.

Maybe she wasnt too impressed with past antics?


Just a thought..I mean if Trish Cameron turned up and trial was postponed nothing stopped her giving witness testimony...why was it different for GM? Why make such a big hoohah about it......when he was not following court protocols but just strutting in


http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/sep/27/madeleine-mccann-father-gerry-goncalo-amaral-libel-trial


http://news.sky.com/story/1147315/madeleine-mccann-gerrys-evidence-stalled

http://www.itv.com/news/story/2013-09-27/gerry-madeleine-mccann-portugal-libel-trial/


BUT......

http://joana-morais.blogspot.com/2013/09/why-was-gerry-mccann-in-portugal.html

Seems he just flew out expecting to be able to give evidence at the drop of a hat......never did go back or his lawyer request he be admitted as a witness since sept 2013

They eventually requested to give some statement......the cynic in me says he didnt want to be cross examined.....

[Mr Gray]

Can you elaborate on this John?

If this is indeed a risk, it begs once more the question of why on earth they embarked on this trial.

there is only john saying it is a risk and Im afraid he seems to be getting carried away. An arrest warrant requires evidence and would happen with or without a libel trail

[Mr Gray]

Oh they are deffo guilty.  Its just a matter of what??

only in your imagination

[jassi]

Oh they are deffo guilty.  Its just a matter of what??  If Amaral wins and there is no reason why he shouldn't I can see another book and a film on the horizon.