If they lose (which I've no doubt they will) I hope they rise above the crowing and gloating and put it behind them. Things have move on considerably from when they started their action, and in a positive direction for the case. There's no point wasting more money trying to get justice in Portugal, it's a bizarre system if you ask me, (which you didn't).
I seldom disagree with Alfred.
But I do on this occasion.
I think Amaral conceded defeat at the point his (then latest in a long line) of (sacked) lawyers, Santos, began proceedings with a plea that proceedings be in camera to "protect Madeleine lest Madeleine be alive"
I think that also makes sense of the otherwise risible notion that the trial is a "damages" trial.
I think it is, indeed, a trial to assess damage arising from either proven or admitted libel.
That is why I also do
not see the saga protracted by endless and interminable appeals.
I think libel has been, either established or admitted, and the only question at issue is what damages are fitting for the damage that has caused,
both to the McCanns reputation and (
most important!) to the search for Madeleine.
I think the best Amaral can hope for is that learned Portuguese judges will award the McCanns damages less than those sought by the McCanns, in which case the McCanns will have to pay Amaral's expenses, as well as their own.