Kate's refusal on legal advice to answer those 48 questions.

[Alfred R Jones]

As you know well, she didn't want to answer the questions in case their accounts didn't tally.

And you know this how?

[Alfred R Jones]

Kate could have answered every single one of those questions and a 1000 more and it wouldn't have made a jot of difference to the direction of the investigation at the time, nor to the opinions of those who "doubt" the McCanns.  And that IS a fact. 

[John]

Come off it John - the questions were a fishing expedition.  They had sod all to do with finding Madeleine.  Kates lawyer saw that.

Kate had already answered questions that were relevant to finding Madeleine in her witness interview the previous day. 

Arguidos have a right to silence for a very good reason.

The last question was a disgrace.

Agreed, of course the questions were a fishing exercise but remember they were jointly put together by both the PJ and officers from Leicestershire Constabulary (as it was then known).  Normal police practise where suspects are concerned.

[John]

Kate could have answered every single one of those questions and a 1000 more and it wouldn't have made a jot of difference to the direction of the investigation at the time, nor to the opinions of those who "doubt" the McCanns.  And that IS a fact.

So why didn't she?  This was one of the mistakes they made imo. 

A lawyer will always err on the side of caution, the McCann's lawyer didn't know if they were guilty or innocent any more than the police did.  If Kate was completely innocent she should have answered every question put to her and more.

In addition, continually criticising the police who were trying to find your missing child was a no-brainer for stupidity.

[Mr Gray]

Agreed, of course the questions were a fishing exercise but remember they were jointly put together by both the PJ and officers from Leicestershire Constabulary (as it was then known).  Normal police practise where suspects are concerned.

before I accuse you of posting rubbish do you have any evidence that the questions were a joint exercise...if not I can call your post rubbish

[Eleanor]

Agreed, of course the questions were a fishing exercise but remember they were jointly put together by both the PJ and officers from Leicestershire Constabulary (as it was then known).  Normal police practise where suspects are concerned.

So if these questions were put together beforehand, who added the last one, since they wouldn't have known that Kate was going to refuse to answer before she actually did?

[Mr Gray]

So why didn't she?  This was one of the mistakes they made imo. 

A lawyer will always err on the side of caution, the McCann's lawyer didn't know if they were guilty or innocent any more than the police did.  If Kate was completely innocent she should have answered every question put to her and more.

In addition, continually criticising the police who were trying to find your missing child was a no-brainer for stupidity.

so you think the mccanns should have congratulated the pj for making them prime suspects...and tell them what a great job they were doing

[Martina]

So if these questions were put together beforehand, who added the last one, since they wouldn't have known that Kate was going to refuse to answer before she actually did?

Because it is so hard to get, that there is a probability the person who has a right to remain silent might use it. Sure.

[Alfred R Jones]

So why didn't she?  This was one of the mistakes they made imo. 

A lawyer will always err on the side of caution, the McCann's lawyer didn't know if they were guilty or innocent any more than the police did.  If Kate was completely innocent she should have answered every question put to her and more.

In addition, continually criticising the police who were trying to find your missing child was a no-brainer for stupidity.

She didn't because she was advised not to, it's as simple as that.  In the same position, you might well be advised to do the same even if you're innocent.  Did you not watch the video clip I posted a couple of weeks back about why you should NEVER answer police questions, even if you've nothing to hide?  It was very thought-provoking IMO. 
And in addition, criticising the police for concentrating all their efforts on proving you've dunnit (when you haven't) instead of looking for the person who did is perfectly justifiable - IMO again.

[Jean-Pierre]

So why didn't she?  This was one of the mistakes they made imo. 

A lawyer will always err on the side of caution, the McCann's lawyer didn't know if they were guilty or innocent any more than the police did.  If Kate was completely innocent she should have answered every question put to her and more.

In addition, continually criticising the police who were trying to find your missing child was a no-brainer for stupidity.

I think by then it had rather dawned on the McCanns which way the police investigation under Amaral was heading.   

If you know the police were trying to fit you up for something you did not do, then remaining silent is by far the best strategy. 

[Eleanor]

Because it is so hard to get, that there is a probability the person who has a right to remain silent might use it. Sure.

Well there's a turn up.  So The PJ suspected that Kate would refuse.

[Alfred R Jones]

I think by then it had rather dawned on the McCanns which way the police investigation under Amaral was heading.   

If you know the police were trying to fit you up for something you did not do, then remaining silent is by far the best strategy.

The thing is, when the police think they have their man, they will use any scrap of information you provide them (even the seemingly most innocuous detail) to try and use it against you - that's their job.  Kate's solicitor knew that only too well.   Say Kate had said "yes, Madeleine was a poor sleeper and yes I sometimes found her a difficult child and yes, sometimes I would give her Calpol when she was feverish at night" - then suddenly you have motive and means, despite the fact that pretty much any mother would say the same thing when asked similar questions.

[Martina]

Well there's a turn up.  So The PJ suspected that Kate would refuse.

It's not what I wrote, but whatever...

[Mr Gray]

I can see why posters want to make such a big deal about the failure to answer questions...the case is so weak against the mccanns that every little scrap has to be amplified to try and show guilt

[John]

I can see why posters want to make such a big deal about the failure to answer questions...the case is so weak against the mccanns that every little scrap has to be amplified to try and show guilt

Its very obvious that the 48 questions is a real hornets nest.