Kevin Halligen. McCanns and the Conman. Ch5 documentary.

[Carana]

The only reference Henri Exton made to the investigation  (  after a voice over pointed out that he was legally bound not to discuss it in public ) was : 

Obviously I can't go into any details but I suppose the regret is that the work we presented didn't solve the mystery of her disappearance.  But the work we did do  provided significant  - significant - opportunities to take it to the next level.  Sadly the destruction of Halligen's behaviour somewhat undermined the very good work that was done"

It appears that Scotland Yard,  who have been presented with Exton's report, including recommendations,  have done just that

Taken it to the next level

The Met have taken it on board, as they have done with reports with other PI reports. The reports were part of their review process. Some aspects may have been eliminated and others retained.

[icabodcrane]

Oakley was apparently responsible for the report, and there was presumably a confidentiality clause. Exton wrote the report, on behalf of Oakley, didn't he? What's odd about a confidentiality clause in a contract, or termination thereof?

My point was that Major Tim,  who was sympathetic to the McCanns,  was permitted to talk about the investigation in a very detailed way 

The same  'confidentiality clause'  would apply to him too,  wouldn't it  ?

Yet  only  Exton  was  'legally bound'  not to speak about his findings or voice his opinion

[Carana]

My point was that Major Tim,  who was sympathetic to the McCanns,  was permitted to talk about the investigation in a very detailed way 

The same  'confidentiality clause'  would apply to him too,  wouldn't it  ?

Yet  only  Exton  was  'legally bound'  not to speak about his findings or voice his opinion

Early on in the rolling credits was a legal adviser. I expect that that person would know more than most of us about the legalities.

[Carana]

For those who missed it, a kind soul has uploaded it to YouTube.

[Carana]

But was it true Brietta - I couldn't work out whether it was, or whether it was being cited as another of Halligens lies?

I was wondering about that as well. The VO or someone stated that that and the priest issue was spin being peddled in Washington. I don't find it clear whether either operation actually took place or not. I suspect not.

[icabodcrane]

Early on in the rolling credits was a legal adviser. I expect that that person would know more than most of us about the legalities.

Henri Exton is  ''legally bound'  not to discuss the investigation publicly  ...   that was stated 'out loud'  on the programme,  so no need to analyse the  'credits'

Legal means have been used to  prevent him  from talking about his findings  and opinions

That was why he was unable to say anything about them on the show that was aired last night

[Carana]

Henri Exton is  ''legally bound'  not to discuss the investigation publicly  ...   that was stated 'out loud'  on the programme,  so no need to analyse the  'credits'

Legal means have been used to  prevent him  from talking about his findings  and opinions

That was why he was unable to say anything about them on the show that was aired last night

Not sure about that.

1) He may simply have stated that he did not wish to be interviewed on camera.
2) He may not allowed have allowed to be, in view of his former career.
3) He seems to have written up the report on behalf of Oakley, for which there is a confidentiality clause.

What would appear to be a standard clause doesn't appear to have stopped any of them from airing their views. If that had been illegal, then presumably the overseeing legal adviser for the documentary would have stepped in.

[Carana]

Henri Exton did not express sympathy for the McCanns

Not directly, unlike Major Tim. However, "Exton" (played by an actor seemingly) did however seem frustrated that Halligen didn't seem to care that the case was about a little girl that were trying to find.

[icabodcrane]

Not sure about that.

1) He may simply have stated that he did not wish to be interviewed on camera.
2) He may not allowed have allowed to be, in view of his former career.
3) He seems to have written up the report on behalf of Oakley, for which there is a confidentiality clause.

What would appear to be a standard clause doesn't appear to have stopped any of them from airing their views. If that had been illegal, then presumably the overseeing legal adviser for the documentary would have stepped in.

Carana  ...  it was stated, unequivically, that Exton was  'legally bound'  not to discuss his investigation publicly

How that can cause you confusion is beyond me

And that  'clause'  you keep refering to  (  although no such clause has ever been mentioned )  certainly did  not  "stop any of them from airing their views"

Nice Major Tim, who was working  for  Henri Exton,  was permitted to air his views extensively  (  including his sympathy for the McCanns )

Exton, though,  was gagged for some reason   

[Carana]

Carana  ...  it was stated, unequivically, that Exton was  'legally bound'  not to discuss his investigation publicly

How that can cause you confusion is beyond me

And that  'clause'  you keep refering to  (  although no such clause has ever been mentioned )  certainly did  not  "stop any of them from airing their views"

Nice Major Tim, who was working  for  Henri Exton,  was permitted to air his views extensively  (  including his sympathy for the McCanns )

Henri Exton and the team completed a report on Operation Omega, explaining all the work done and recommendations for future action. Its authors are legally bound to not to discuss it publicly, but the report is in the hands of Scotland Yard detectives.



Exton, though,  was gagged for some reason

[icabodcrane]

One thing that impressed me on this programme  was just how  good  at his job Henri Exton is

It was he who,  after carrying out  a private investigation into Halligen,  was able to present the FBI  with a report that eventually led to Halligen's arrest and imprisonment

It was Exton  who 'uncovered'  Halligen !

He doesn't strike me as the kind of fellow you would want to cross,  or try to intimidate or bully

He also appears to be a determined sort of chap  and I'm wondering if, perhaps,  he continued to privately investigate Madeleine's disappearance on some small scale

He mentioned that he had provided  significant  (  his emphasis )  opportunities to take it to the next level,  and it must have been difficult for him to just  forget all about it having gotten to that stage of the investigation

Perhaps he is advising the Metropolitan police even now.  They certainly seem to have  put great stock in his original report, afterall   

[John]

It must be remembered that Oakley broke the Law in Portugal by undertaking a criminal investigation including surveillance on the ground in Praia da Luz and elsewhere.  The Madeleine fund and the McCanns themselves were the client in this operation and were fully cognisant of what was going on.  This in itself raises the question as to how much the Portuguese authorities and the PJ in particular knew about this operation because in the final analysis it was ILLEGAL.

I am bumping this post as a reminder that the McCanns investigative activities in Portugal were illegal under Portuguese Law.  I am surprised that not more has been made of this fact and especially so in the libel trial.

What they did was a crime and leaves them open to criminal prosecution even now as South African Stephen Birch has found out to his cost.

Was this the real reason why they left Praia da Luz in September 2007 since what their then private investigators Método 3 was doing was illegal?

[misty]

I am bumping this post as a reminder that the McCanns investigative activities in Portugal were illegal under Portuguese Law.  I am surprised that not more has been made of this fact and especially so in the libel trial.

What they did was a crime and leaves them open to criminal prosecution even now as South African Stephen Birch has found out to his cost.

Was this the real reason why they left Praia da Luz in such a hurry?

Perhaps the Oakley investigation extended to scrutiny of Amaral himself & it would not be in his interests to pursue this aspect?

[faithlilly]

Not directly, unlike Major Tim. However, "Exton" (played by an actor seemingly) did however seem frustrated that Halligen didn't seem to care that the case was about a little girl that were trying to find.

Voicing concern about Halligen's disregard for the fate of Madeleine in no way infers sympathy for the McCanns.

[Carana]

One thing that impressed me on this programme  was just how  good  at his job Henri Exton is

It was he who,  after carrying out  a private investigation into Halligen,  was able to present the FBI  with a report that eventually led to Halligen's arrest and imprisonment

It was Exton  who 'uncovered'  Halligen !

He doesn't strike me as the kind of fellow you would want to cross,  or try to intimidate or bully

He also appears to be a determined sort of chap  and I'm wondering if, perhaps,  he continued to privately investigate Madeleine's disappearance on some small scale

He mentioned that he had provided  significant  (  his emphasis )  opportunities to take it to the next level,  and it must have been difficult for him to just  forget all about it having gotten to that stage of the investigation

Perhaps he is advising the Metropolitan police even now.  They certainly seem to have  put great stock in his original report, afterall   

Yes, I expect that most of the rest of the team were really working hard and may have given useful input to the Met.

Personally, I found Major Tim, Exton et al., to be clearly pissed off with Halligen, and seemingly for good reason. Not just about the financial issues with Halligen, e.g., when Exton had to pick up the tab, but Halligen had managed to drag their reputations down with him. That's not fair, is it?