Has it been an "annus horribilis" for the McCanns?

[John]

It has not been a good year for the McCanns what with the Portuguese Supreme Court ruling confirming the earlier decision by the Appeal Court to uphold the appeal by Goncalo Amaral in the damages case McCann v Amaral & Others. To add insult to injury however, the Supreme Court felt they needed to go further and included within their decision the clarification that the McCanns had not been cleared. This clarification was itself appealed by the McCanns but yet again rejected by the Court.

Lets hope 2018 is more kind to them and their 'search' for Madeleine.

http://miscarriageofjustice.co/index.php?topic=7937.0
http://miscarriageofjustice.co/index.php?topic=8159.msg391689#msg391689
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4206214/Court-says-Madeleine-McCann-s-parents-HAVEN-T-cleared.html


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[Brietta]

It has not been a good year for the McCanns what with the Portuguese Supreme Court ruling confirming the earlier decision by the Appeal Court to uphold the appeal by Goncalo Amaral in the damages case McCann v Amaral & Others. To add insult to injury however, the Supreme Court felt they needed to go further and included within their decision the clarification that the McCanns had not been cleared. This was appealed by the McCanns but yet again rejected by the Court.

Lets hope 2018 is more kind to them and their 'search' for Madeleine.

I would love to see Madeleine's case categorically resolved one way or the other, preferably with a happy solution.  Maybe 2018 will be the year for that to happen.

[John]

I would love to see Madeleine's case categorically resolved one way or the other, preferably with a happy solution.  Maybe 2018 will be the year for that to happen.

I would too Brietta but I think we need to be realistic.

[Robittybob1]

I would love to see Madeleine's case categorically resolved one way or the other, preferably with a happy solution.  Maybe 2018 will be the year for that to happen.

If on the slimmest chance Madeleine was still alive I'm hoping she connects to Facebook and someone recognises her.  But I can foresee issues here too for she may no longer be speaking English.  Also she may not link to a site that has any connection to the McCann case.  It is rather difficult to think how a site would be of interest to a 14 year old and have a connection to the McCann case.   I did see one that had the right ingredients as it had real "girl appeal" as the site did makeup tutorials and channel holder discussed other matters as well.
Channel owner "Bella Fiori" with an amazing 1.4 million subscribers https://youtu.be/lvlmWBQodmI  "THE DISAPPEARANCE OF MADELEINE MCCANN"  who is going to check through 1.4 million subscribers to see if one of them is possibly Madeleine McCann?
I've heard they are developing analytical methods and other programs that do facial recognition, that could identify missing persons joining social media sites.  Way beyond the means of amateur sleuths like us.

[Mr Gray]

I think its been another awful year for the Mccanns because they are still without their daughter

[G-Unit]

I think the McCanns sustained quite a few blows during 2017. Their attempts to defeat Amaral finally failed, leaving them financially worse off and their claims of being 'cleared' by the first investigation were found to be false. Operation Grange appeared to be a restricted investigation following only one line of inquiry because of misunderstanding the findings of the first investigation. Not a good year imo.

January 2017;
Statement from Gerry and Kate Regarding Portuguese Supreme Court Ruling

What we have been told by our lawyers is obviously extremely disappointing.

 http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/DAYS_2596.htm#d3561

February 2017

Kate and Gerry McCann have been dealt another cruel blow as a Portuguese court failed to put them in the clear over the disappearance of daughter Madeleine.

The couple were ruled out as formal suspects, or “arguidos”, back in 2008 – but in newly released court papers, judges have specified that this does not equate to a ruling of ¬innocence.
http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/mirror_08_02_2017.htm

March 2017

McCann’s “frivolity” complaint rejected. Gonçalo Amaral’s ‘libel win’ confirmed for 3rd time
http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/PortugalResident_21_03_2017.htm

Apeil 2017

A C Mark Rowley contradicts the ruling of the Supreme Court of Portugal by saying that the question of the parent's involvement in Madeleine's disappearance was 'dealt with' by the first investigation.
 http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/MET_25_04_2017s.htm

May 2017

Colin Sutton suggests there were no-go areas in the Operation Grange inquiry;

However, before this, just a few days after the NotW story I did receive a call from a senior officer in the Met whom I knew quite well.  This officer told me I would do better to avoid the McCann investigation if it did happen, because "You wouldn't be happy leading an investigation where you were told what you could look at and what you could not
http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/Colin_Sutton_09_05_2017.htm

Operation Grange's narrow remit to focus only on the theory that the four-year-old was abducted from the family's holiday apartment in Portugal was unusual and a "missed opportunity", Sutton told nine.com.au.
http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/9News_15_05_2017.htm

September 2017

There are multiple mixed messages as the parents of missing Madeleine McCann are reported to be taking their three-time court defeat in Portugal to the very last point of appeal: the European Court of Human Rights.

.....according to the UK Sun - which led with an ‘exclusive’ yesterday on what it is calling “a last ditch appeal” against a “shameless ex police chief” - the reasons for the McCann’s new legal bid lie not simply in the fact that they “are desperately upset at Amaral’s claims”, but also that they are “shattered” that Portugal’s top judges did not accept that they had “successfully proved their innocence”.

.....the UK press fails to understand that Maddie’s parents can only make a case against the Portuguese state, and not against an individual person.

 

“For Gonçalo Amaral, the case is over. Done and dusted. He won, and the McCanns can’t ignore the decision simply because they are going to the ECHR”.
http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/PortugalRes_10_09_2017.htm

[Mr Gray]

I think the McCanns sustained quite a few blows during 2017. Their attempts to defeat Amaral finally failed, leaving them financially worse off and their claims of being 'cleared' by the first investigation were found to be false. Operation Grange appeared to be a restricted investigation following only one line of inquiry because of misunderstanding the findings of the first investigation. Not a good year imo.

January 2017;
Statement from Gerry and Kate Regarding Portuguese Supreme Court Ruling

What we have been told by our lawyers is obviously extremely disappointing.

 http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/DAYS_2596.htm#d3561

February 2017

Kate and Gerry McCann have been dealt another cruel blow as a Portuguese court failed to put them in the clear over the disappearance of daughter Madeleine.

The couple were ruled out as formal suspects, or “arguidos”, back in 2008 – but in newly released court papers, judges have specified that this does not equate to a ruling of ¬innocence.
http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/mirror_08_02_2017.htm

March 2017

McCann’s “frivolity” complaint rejected. Gonçalo Amaral’s ‘libel win’ confirmed for 3rd time
http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/PortugalResident_21_03_2017.htm

Apeil 2017

A C Mark Rowley contradicts the ruling of the Supreme Court of Portugal by saying that the question of the parent's involvement in Madeleine's disappearance was 'dealt with' by the first investigation.
 http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/MET_25_04_2017s.htm

May 2017

Colin Sutton suggests there were no-go areas in the Operation Grange inquiry;

However, before this, just a few days after the NotW story I did receive a call from a senior officer in the Met whom I knew quite well.  This officer told me I would do better to avoid the McCann investigation if it did happen, because "You wouldn't be happy leading an investigation where you were told what you could look at and what you could not
http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/Colin_Sutton_09_05_2017.htm

Operation Grange's narrow remit to focus only on the theory that the four-year-old was abducted from the family's holiday apartment in Portugal was unusual and a "missed opportunity", Sutton told nine.com.au.
http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/9News_15_05_2017.htm

September 2017

There are multiple mixed messages as the parents of missing Madeleine McCann are reported to be taking their three-time court defeat in Portugal to the very last point of appeal: the European Court of Human Rights.

.....according to the UK Sun - which led with an ‘exclusive’ yesterday on what it is calling “a last ditch appeal” against a “shameless ex police chief” - the reasons for the McCann’s new legal bid lie not simply in the fact that they “are desperately upset at Amaral’s claims”, but also that they are “shattered” that Portugal’s top judges did not accept that they had “successfully proved their innocence”.

.....the UK press fails to understand that Maddie’s parents can only make a case against the Portuguese state, and not against an individual person.

 

“For Gonçalo Amaral, the case is over. Done and dusted. He won, and the McCanns can’t ignore the decision simply because they are going to the ECHR”.
http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/PortugalRes_10_09_2017.htm

I dont think the case is all over for amaral...IF the mccanns have a victory at the ECHR...there could be repercussions

[faithlilly]

Yet again no word of thanks, or mention even, of OG in the McCann's Christmas message.

Copious amounts of thanks to their supporters ( who can do nothing to find Madeleine ) yet not a word to the dedicated officers who are working tirelessly to find their daughter or the HO who is providing further funding.

Am I the only one who finds this odd ?

To all our supporters,
We just wanted to pass on our love and thanks to everyone who has continued to support us throughout another year. Christmas is a tricky time ....as it is for many people. Friendship, solidarity and warm wishes go a long way in giving us the strength to get through and make the very best of it. So, from all our family...a very big thank you.
We will never give up on Madeleine.
With very good wishes for a happy and peaceful 2018.
~Kate and Gerry

[Brietta]

I dont think the case is all over for amaral...IF the mccanns have a victory at the ECHR...there could be repercussions

Goncalo Amaral appears to be very much the 'invisible man' after his appeal court triumph ... has anyone heard anything of him?
Maybe he's got his nose to the grindstone somewhere churning out a best seller for himself.  Should be a dawdle as long as he sticks to freedom of expression ... basically he can say what he likes about whomsoever he likes.

I'm in total agreement with you on this one, Davel.

I don't think anything is done and dusted until the present investigation into Madeleine's case finishes and until the ECHR makes a ruling on the case brought before them by the McCann legal team.

[Brietta]

Yet again no word of thanks, or mention even, of OG in the McCann's Christmas message.

Copious amounts of thanks to their supporters ( who can do nothing to find Madeleine ) yet not a word to the dedicated officers who are working tirelessly to find their daughter or the HO who is providing further funding.

Am I the only one who finds this odd ?

To all our supporters,
We just wanted to pass on our love and thanks to everyone who has continued to support us throughout another year. Christmas is a tricky time ....as it is for many people. Friendship, solidarity and warm wishes go a long way in giving us the strength to get through and make the very best of it. So, from all our family...a very big thank you.
We will never give up on Madeleine.
With very good wishes for a happy and peaceful 2018.
~Kate and Gerry

Neither the time nor the place, perhaps?  Mind you, had Kate and Gerry thanked Uncle Tom Cobley 'n all they would have been criticised for missing out a mention of Widicombe.

There are just those who will not give this couple a break and will criticise whatever, whenever.  I find it really rather sad.

[faithlilly]

Neither the time nor the place, perhaps?  Mind you, had Kate and Gerry thanked Uncle Tom Cobley 'n all they would have been criticised for missing out a mention of Widicombe.

There are just those who will not give this couple a break and will criticise whatever, whenever.  I find it really rather sad.

Why neither the time nor the place ? You aren't trying to stifle discussion perchance Brietta ?

Can you give any good reason why the McCanns wouldn't be grateful to both the officers who are investigating the disappearance of their daughter and the HO who are providing the funding for that investigation and why they wouldn't see it as necessary to thank them for their efforts ? They had thanked OG every year in their Christmas message until last year. What changed ?

[faithlilly]

Goncalo Amaral appears to be very much the 'invisible man' after his appeal court triumph ... has anyone heard anything of him?
Maybe he's got his nose to the grindstone somewhere churning out a best seller for himself.  Should be a dawdle as long as he sticks to freedom of expression ... basically he can say what he likes about whomsoever he likes.

I'm in total agreement with you on this one, Davel.

I don't think anything is done and dusted until the present investigation into Madeleine's case finishes and until the ECHR makes a ruling on the case brought before them by the McCann legal team.

I have the feeling you are going to be disappointed on both counts Brietta.

[Brietta]

I have the feeling you are going to be disappointed on both counts Brietta.

One point is not nearly as important as the other but I would not measure the level of my disappointment just yet for the simple reason that I am mightily satisfied by the very fact that ... despite it being a long time coming ... and despite the slings and arrows, fire and brimstone directed at it throughout ... Madeleine McCann's case has been subject to a thorough professional investigation by Scotland Yard and the Policia Judiciaria.

I think that is good ... and may I say, I prefer my outlook on life to that professed by you.

[Carana]

I think the McCanns sustained quite a few blows during 2017. Their attempts to defeat Amaral finally failed, leaving them financially worse off and their claims of being 'cleared' by the first investigation were found to be false. Operation Grange appeared to be a restricted investigation following only one line of inquiry because of misunderstanding the findings of the first investigation. Not a good year imo.

January 2017;
Statement from Gerry and Kate Regarding Portuguese Supreme Court Ruling

What we have been told by our lawyers is obviously extremely disappointing.

 http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/DAYS_2596.htm#d3561

February 2017

Kate and Gerry McCann have been dealt another cruel blow as a Portuguese court failed to put them in the clear over the disappearance of daughter Madeleine.

The couple were ruled out as formal suspects, or “arguidos”, back in 2008 – but in newly released court papers, judges have specified that this does not equate to a ruling of ¬innocence.
http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/mirror_08_02_2017.htm

March 2017

McCann’s “frivolity” complaint rejected. Gonçalo Amaral’s ‘libel win’ confirmed for 3rd time
http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/PortugalResident_21_03_2017.htm

Apeil 2017

A C Mark Rowley contradicts the ruling of the Supreme Court of Portugal by saying that the question of the parent's involvement in Madeleine's disappearance was 'dealt with' by the first investigation.
 http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/MET_25_04_2017s.htm

May 2017

Colin Sutton suggests there were no-go areas in the Operation Grange inquiry;

However, before this, just a few days after the NotW story I did receive a call from a senior officer in the Met whom I knew quite well.  This officer told me I would do better to avoid the McCann investigation if it did happen, because "You wouldn't be happy leading an investigation where you were told what you could look at and what you could not
http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/Colin_Sutton_09_05_2017.htm

Operation Grange's narrow remit to focus only on the theory that the four-year-old was abducted from the family's holiday apartment in Portugal was unusual and a "missed opportunity", Sutton told nine.com.au.
http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/9News_15_05_2017.htm

September 2017

There are multiple mixed messages as the parents of missing Madeleine McCann are reported to be taking their three-time court defeat in Portugal to the very last point of appeal: the European Court of Human Rights.

.....according to the UK Sun - which led with an ‘exclusive’ yesterday on what it is calling “a last ditch appeal” against a “shameless ex police chief” - the reasons for the McCann’s new legal bid lie not simply in the fact that they “are desperately upset at Amaral’s claims”, but also that they are “shattered” that Portugal’s top judges did not accept that they had “successfully proved their innocence”.

.....the UK press fails to understand that Maddie’s parents can only make a case against the Portuguese state, and not against an individual person.

 

“For Gonçalo Amaral, the case is over. Done and dusted. He won, and the McCanns can’t ignore the decision simply because they are going to the ECHR”.
http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/press/115/PortugalRes_10_09_2017.htm

The media seem to be comparing apples and oranges (as do some posters, IMO).

The civil case was about Amaral & co.'s right to freedom of speech versus the rights of the McCann family.

AFAIK, the civil court could only take account of the situation at the time. It couldn't have taken into account that there are now two independent investigations underway, in neither of which are the McCanns considered to be suspects. That doesn't mean that the McCanns have been cleared, but then neither have any of us posting here.

I've no idea whether the idea of appealing has actually materialised or not, nor on which grounds.

[faithlilly]

One point is not nearly as important as the other but I would not measure the level of my disappointment just yet for the simple reason that I am mightily satisfied by the very fact that ... despite it being a long time coming ... and despite the slings and arrows, fire and brimstone directed at it throughout ... Madeleine McCann's case has been subject to a thorough professional investigation by Scotland Yard and the Policia Judiciaria.

I think that is good ... and may I say, I prefer my outlook on life to that professed by you.

I also think the fact that Madeleine's case has been the subject of, now, two thorough professional investigations cause for celebration. Why would you think I wouldn't ?

It doesn't answer the question though why the McCanns failed to thank OG and the HO in their message. Can you think of one single plausible explanation for that ?