Was Smithman's interaction with the Smith family suspicious?

[Robittybob1]

6-Processos, Volume VI, pgs. 1611 to 1614
 
06_VOLUME_VIa_Page_1613
 

 
Date of Diligence: 2007.05.26 10h45
Location: This Department
Name: Aoife Smith

*snipped*
"O caminhar do individuo era normal, sabendo distinguir o mesmo entre o andar apressado e o correr. O mesmo nao aparentava cansaco, deslocando-se de forma normal quando se leva uma crianca ao colo."

Thanks for that Misty.  I looked at the Portuguese and I had no idea which bit related to the manner of walking.

[Brietta]

There were 9 witnesses. If you had a friend with you they may remember the male dog walker was wearing a white coat and you may go yes I remember that now etc...etc....There was only one person they saw on that short journey.

Adds further that his son TA*** was questioned in Ireland and said that the individual was dressed in a long-sleeved coat/jacket, black in colour, and that the child was barefoot. (Peter Smith 26 May 2007)

I wonder why he had to tell the lead investigating authority the content of his son's interview with the guards.  It seems there may have been a break in the chain of evidence somewhere along the line if they weren't already in possession of that information.

[Robittybob1]

I wonder why he had to tell the lead investigating authority the content of his son's interview with the guards.  It seems there may have been a break in the chain of evidence somewhere along the line if they weren't already in possession of that information.

what is this about?  Can you give me a link please?

[pathfinder73]

I wonder why he had to tell the lead investigating authority the content of his son's interview with the guards.  It seems there may have been a break in the chain of evidence somewhere along the line if they weren't already in possession of that information.

It was crucial information. Not everyone saw what he was wearing. Peter didn't as he was paying more attention to his pregnant wife. Others not giving statements in Portugal would have other important info which SY will now possess and they conclude that the sighting is credible. This will be the last line of inquiry.

He also does not remember the clothing the individual wore or his shoes. He states that he did not notice those details as his pregnant wife was somewhat ill and he was constantly attending to her, not caring about observation of the individual. (Peter Smith)

[pegasus]

I agree.  According to the Smiths he was walking normally with his daughter held against his shoulder.  The only slightly odd behaviour was his refusal to acknowledge the Smiths and Mrs Smith in particular and the way he looked down when passing them... (snip)

The obvious answer to why this man did not respond to Mrs S's question is that she asked it in a foreign language which he did not understand. If she had asked in Portuguese she would have got an answer IMO.

[pegasus]

Try walking up a lane in Drogheda at night and asking a passing stranger "aahh ela está dormindo?".
 

[Robittybob1]

Try walking down Drogheda High St at night and asking a passing stranger "aahh ela está dormindo?".

Why would you need to ask that? 
" Aahh she's sleeping ? "

It seems more a statement rather than a question.

[pegasus]

Why would you need to ask that? 
" Aahh she's sleeping ? "

It seems more a statement rather than a question.

One of the Smiths asked that question of a passing stranger in Portugal, in a foreign language Robbity.
It is not surprising she did not get a reply.

[mercury]

One of the Smiths asked that question of a passing stranger in Portugal, in a foreign language Robbity.
It is not surprising she did not get a reply.

Why would they ask a passing stranger if their child was sleeping? Unless they were in conversation, how
Odd

[ShiningInLuz]

One of the Smiths asked that question of a passing stranger in Portugal, in a foreign language Robbity.
It is not surprising she did not get a reply.

Do you have a cite for that?

Either the passing stranger was ignorant of English, or the passing stranger had some degree of involvement.

It would be interesting to know which.

[pegasus]

Do you have a cite for that?

Either the passing stranger was ignorant of English, or the passing stranger had some degree of involvement.

It would be interesting to know which.

For a portuguese person to not understand english is perfectly reasonable, it is not ignorance.

[ShiningInLuz]

For a portuguese person to not understand english is perfectly reasonable, it is not ignorance.

After a mandatory 8 years of English in school, to not understand "is she sleeping" is ignorance.

The point is significant. Do you have a cite?

[Robittybob1]

One of the Smiths asked that question of a passing stranger in Portugal, in a foreign language Robbity.
It is not surprising she did not get a reply.

Yes I see what you mean now.  So that phrase is recorded in the statement.  Is this the section you are talking about "— Questioned, says that the individual did not speak nor did the child as she was in a deep sleep. "  I doesn't say what language that was used.  The Smith's may have been able to speak Portuguese.
There is an interesting combination of options here.  Smiths may or may not speak Portuguese and the man may of may not speak  Portuguese.  4 variations are possible 50% of them should have been understood.

[pegasus]

Yes I see what you mean now.  So that phrase is recorded in the statement.  Is this the section you are talking about "— Questioned, says that the individual did not speak nor did the child as she was in a deep sleep. "  I doesn't say what language that was used.  The Smith's may have been able to speak Portuguese.
There is an interesting combination of options here.  Smiths may or may not speak Portuguese and the man may of may not speak  Portuguese.  4 variations are possible 50% of them should have been understood.

You could send your statistics theory to a professional journal Robbity, some articles get accepted, some rejected, there are two possibilities, so you have a very good 50% chance.

BTW all 3 witnesses on 26th May stated that they did not understand portuguese.

[Robittybob1]

You could send your statistics theory to a professional journal Robbity, some articles get accepted, some rejected, there are two possibilities, so you have a very good 50% chance.

BTW all 3 witnesses on 26th May stated that they did not understand portuguese.

Well that changes the probable outcomes again unless they just knew that one phrase. Which is rather unlikely.  I know when I was in Italy the locals loved it when you spoke their language so you'd always say Good day in Italian but that was it.
By the time I'm finished it will be 100% certain the article will get accepted.