Lets just say that it was convenient to blame Gerry's mild stomach upset rather than have to concoct an elaborate lie for the benefit of the Press as to tell them that the police were wanting to carry out forensic examinations would have opened another tin of worms.
The McCanns were bound by Portuguese law NOT to reveal details of the on-going investigation to the media. Therefore when faced with the need to give the media a reason for not going to Huelva they had little choice but to give a convenient excuse. This fact that this is freely admitted to by Kate McCann in her widely-read book rather emphasises her honesty than her supposed dishonest nature, because if it had been a blatant lie she would have been unlikely to draw attention to it in her book at all.
That's the thing though Martha, this particular lie was already out there for all to see
The Police files record the events of 2nd August 2007, including the search and removal of the McCanns' clothes and other items after they ( the McCanns ) had been asked to leave the apartment ... Gerry McCann's blog makes no mention of the events that happened that day, but, instead, states that a viral infection kept him in the apartment all day
As to judicial secrecy, they could quite simply have told the media who were intending to travel to Huelva that the trip was being postponed due to the investigation, details of which they were not permitted to give
I have to add that I was a bit bemused by your suggestion that admission of deceptiveness is a sign of honesty >@@(*&)