Madeleine McCann 3 year old missing in Portugal - Part 12

[mrsmousemat]

I just put it on Websleuths as information since there had been a great deal of discussion about the Cuddle Cat earlier, especially the siting of it in a high place in the room.

The only point I would add as if it weren't a special toy for Madeleine - and that she hadn't yet received it, why is Mrs M so keen on it? Perhaps she had promised it to Madeleine?

If it were her favourite toy - either one of the parents might have put it up high, and left it there. But that doesn't equate with her finishing a tantrum if the parent left the room before giving it to her back.

Or it was put up by the abductor, which doesn't make sense.

So totally confused..But perhaps it wasn't put up high at all and maybe false information again.

 

[mrsmousemat]

Mrsmousemat, I will pass on the request for video but I believe I was told only still photos would be taken by my friend, don't know for sure.

Thanks Colomom - I'm amazed at all the research that you do. It's a great help.

I'm sure someone will attempt something like a video soon so yet more patience required I'm afraid.

 

[Texana]

I just can't figure out how Cuddle Cat's position could in any way signify immediately to Kate that Madeleine had been abducted--again because two other adults had been to check on Maddie, (although one did not actually go in, it's not clear to me if Kate knew that) either one could have logically moved the toy.

It just seems to me that the first thought would have been that perhaps Gerry or Matthew moved the toy, or if it was in a more accessible place, that Maddie herself put it there--after all, she had awoken the night before, according to Mrs. Fenn.

And why would an abductor take the time to move the toy?

Given the position of the apartment and the apparent window of time, I don't disbelieve an abductor took Maddie. But I'm still stumped as to why that would be Kate's first and immediate assumption.

It reportedly was washed because it was dirty and covered in suntan oil, so it was perhaps a new favorite toy, but not the "comfort blanket/lovey" kind of bedtime toy or object.

 

[mrsmousemat]

I don't even know what the big deal is with
"At 9.30pm Gerry McCann checked his children and they were sound asleep, with Madeleine lying with her comfort blanket. Thirty minutes later his wife returned and found Madeleine gone and the shutter of the rear window open."

TCuddle Cat. Early news articles (which have since disappeared, to be replaced by newer reports) claimed the McCanns said Cuddle Cat was an upcoming birthday gift for Madeleine, so she wasn't sleeping with it. Check out the following link from May 6:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/t.....752277.ece
he article says nothing about Cuddle Cat. It says she slept with a comfort blanket. Usually kids have one favorite toy or blankie to hold on to at night, not two.

Thanks - link inoperable but happy to know what it said.

When my children were small they were nearly always surrounded by teddybears, dolls, cats, dogs, furry sharks (yes, really) , giraffes, tigers etc, plus a blanket (took me ages to make the beds), so I may be out of step in knowing that most children prefer a single toy.

If she did have one blanket, I wonder if this is the blanket in which she was wrapped, as it was likely to be small and would therefore allow Jane Tanner to see her pyjamas?

 

[CarpeDiem]

I just put it on Websleuths as information since there had been a great deal of discussion about the Cuddle Cat earlier, especially the siting of it in a high place in the room.

The only point I would add as if it weren't a special toy for Madeleine - and that she hadn't yet received it, why is Mrs M so keen on it? Perhaps she had promised it to Madeleine?

If it were her favourite toy - either one of the parents might have put it up high, and left it there. But that doesn't equate with her finishing a tantrum if the parent left the room before giving it to her back.

Or it was put up by the abductor, which doesn't make sense.

So totally confused..But perhaps it wasn't put up high at all and maybe false information again.

It would mean the most if she carried it everywhere, but I've never seen it with Maddie in a photograph, you can see my kid's favorite object in a lot of our pictures. I just think if she only slept with it, it shows she didn't go to sleep that night or was completely out of it when she was taken. But the perp needed only leave it in the bed, that was very deliberate to lift it to the shelf in what had to be a brief amount of time. It must be a sticking point with the police in the interviews too. And, if Kate was so sure of an abduction so soon, why didn't she recognize how significant insisting on tests was or that Cuddle Cat be looked at in some fashion.

She is a doctor and quite educated. She knows things can be done to get answers even more than the average person. If she was afraid they/Maddie would never get cuddle cat back, they had put a stuffed toy's importance ahead of their child's life. Weird.

 

[colomom]

This was posted in the Mirror forum but since it was on television there is no "link", thought it was interesting so I just wanted to share. Take it for what it is worth....

From: http://forums.mirror.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=8815

"I have just heard the daily comments of MOITA FLORES on the channel 3 daily programme"FATIMA".

He said:

- There is no reason to believe that the tests that are being carried out in Birmingham have moved to another lab or country. First because there would have to be an authorisation from the Ministery of Public Affairs (who ultimately rules this investigation - above the police) to change the place where the tests are being carried out. Also the samples are not going from one lab to another without the police being informed which does not seem to have happened.

Therefore MOITA FLORES who has very good and trustful connections inside the police DID NOT GIVE CREDIT to today's news on "24 Horas" newspaper. He just said the samples should never have been sent to the UK because of the high influences and connections the McCanns have there, of which the Police were already aware before sending the samples to be tested in Birmingham.

He also made his comments on 28th August Gerry's blog:
He said the first part indeed sounded like a confession, a confession of guilt for leaving their young children alone to go to dinner in the restaurant.
He said no one would ever appeal to an abductor saying the abduction could be an accident or impulse. He found the first part of the blog extremely strange and intriguing.

He also said it is not normal for any parent around the world to believe 7 (seven) children who were left sleeping in their apartments, for their parents to go and have dinner at the Tapas restaurant, to FALL ASLEEP ALL AT THE SAME TIME just as their parents intended. Also no child sleeps EVERYDAY from 8 oclock till day rise without ever waking up. There is always something that may eventually happen to interrupt their sleep. Every parent know that well.

About yesterday's news on the finding of a SYRINGE with tranquilisers on/in a bedside table of the McCanns apartment, MOITA FLORES SAID HE WOULD BY NO MEANS COMMENT ON THIS SUBJECT for respect to his former police colleagues and investigation. He said he was not bound by the secret of justice but he just would make NO comments on that. "

 

[docwho3]

08/31/2007 time 7 minutes ago (before this post)
"The parents of missing Madeleine McCann are to launch a libel action against a Portuguese newspaper which said police believe they killed their daughter.

The legal documents, against the Tal & Qual paper, will be sent to a court in Oporto, in the north of Portugal. . ."
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/pressass/20070831/tuk-madeleine-s-parents-to-sue-paper-6323e80_2.html

 

[Shazza]

08/31/2007 time 7 minutes ago (before this post)
"The parents of missing Madeleine McCann are to launch a libel action against a Portuguese newspaper which said police believe they killed their daughter.

The legal documents, against the Tal & Qual paper, will be sent to a court in Oporto, in the north of Portugal. . ."
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/pressass/20070831/tuk-madeleine-s-parents-to-sue-paper-6323e80_2.html

I think the timing of the McCanns launching a libel action against a Portugese paper couldnt come at a worse time, there daughter is missing, this should be their main and only focus, finding their daughter. If and when this case is solved then do whatever has to be done. IMO this is just another sign of the McCanns selfish and outrageous actions.

 

[mrsmousemat]

It would mean the most if she carried it everywhere, but I've never seen it with Maddie in a photograph, you can see my kid's favorite object in a lot of our pictures. I just think if she only slept with it, it shows she didn't go to sleep that night or was completely out of it when she was taken. But the perp needed only leave it in the bed, that was very deliberate to lift it to the shelf in what had to be a brief amount of time. It must be a sticking point with the police in the interviews too. And, if Kate was so sure of an abduction so soon, why didn't she recognize how significant insisting on tests was or that Cuddle Cat be looked at in some fashion.

She is a doctor and quite educated. She knows things can be done to get answers even more than the average person. If she was afraid they/Maddie would never get cuddle cat back, they had put a stuffed toy's importance ahead of their child's life. Weird.

Having mulled this over and looked at the subsequent information that Calikid has given, I wonder if the CuddleCat was a promised birthday present that had to be kept out of the way on the top of the wardrobe until Madeleine's birthday?

This would solve the problem of why the police didn't take it as evidence - and they have been criticised a lot for this. It would make sense if it was wrapped ready, or in a box.

It would also explain why she hasn't been pictured with it.

As to the McCanns suing the newpaper for libel, I think this has been a bit overdue in coming as the Portuguese press have been way out of line in what they haveprinted as fact.

If the McCanns were charged (not that I think that they will be), their lawyers would argue that it would be impossible for them to have a fair trial in Portugal because of the judgements made in the press.

It is also the only way the McCanns can stop gossip-as-fact from escalating and it is in everyone's interests that the judicial system operate can operate fairly.

Also if they prepare a libel suit, the newspaper may have to divulge the basis for the printed information - and maybe their sources. Unless the newspaper isvery sure of its facts, it's conceivable that they will give in quickly and pay money into the Madeleine fund.

 

[Shazza]

Having mulled this over and looked at the subsequent information that Calikid has given, I wonder if the CuddleCat was a promised birthday present that had to be kept out of the way on the top of the wardrobe until Madeleine's birthday?

This would solve the problem of why the police didn't take it as evidence - and they have been criticised a lot for this. It would make sense if it was wrapped ready, or in a box.

It would also explain why she hasn't been pictured with it.

As to the McCanns suing the newpaper for libel, I think this has been a bit overdue in coming as the Portuguese press have been way out of line in what they haveprinted as fact.

If the McCanns were charged (not that I think that they will be), their lawyers would argue that it would be impossible for them to have a fair trial in Portugal because of the judgements made in the press.

It is also the only way the McCanns can stop gossip-as-fact from escalating and it is in everyone's interests that the judicial system operate can operate fairly.

Also if they prepare a libel suit, the newspaper may have to divulge the basis for the printed information - and maybe their sources. Unless the newspaper isvery sure of its facts, it's conceivable that they will give in quickly and pay money into the Madeleine fund.

Before they start libel action against any one or any paper they should take responsibility for their actions and the justice system should charge the McCanns for child endangerment. Many have disagreed with this as they say the search for Madelaine comes before charges laid against the parents. So in what order should proceedings go ahead...1. Find Madelaine...2. charge parents...3....sue papers.

 

[april4sky]

As to the McCanns suing the newpaper for libel, I think this has been a bit overdue in coming as the Portuguese press have been way out of line in what they haveprinted as fact.

If the McCanns were charged (not that I think that they will be), their lawyers would argue that it would be impossible for them to have a fair trial in Portugal because of the judgements made in the press.

It is also the only way the McCanns can stop gossip-as-fact from escalating and it is in everyone's interests that the judicial system operate can operate fairly.

Also if they prepare a libel suit, the newspaper may have to divulge the basis for the printed information - and maybe their sources. Unless the newspaper isvery sure of its facts, it's conceivable that they will give in quickly and pay money into the Madeleine fund.

I couldn't agree more. Its been obvious for some time that there is a section of the Portugese press that have their own agenda and have been way out of line for some time now.
And this is probably the only way to get them to report responsibly.

This section of the press are not showing concern for Madeleine only in their own agenda of smearing the McCanns.
This has had a detrimental affect on the search for Madeleine. IMO.
The most important thing is to find Madeleine and this just may focus the press onto her again. Which won't happen if they are allowed to carry on regardless.

 

[CaliKid]

I don't know anything about Portuguese law or if their courts operate like ours. But from the McCanns' standpoint, suing the newpapers might end up benefitting them in the long-run. If they are forced by cross-examination to reveal any information about Madeleine's disappearance, I imagine that would color any criminal case brought against them for it. It it might be enough to get charges dropped for self-incrimination.

 

[sherri79]

Having mulled this over and looked at the subsequent information that Calikid has given, I wonder if the CuddleCat was a promised birthday present that had to be kept out of the way on the top of the wardrobe until Madeleine's birthday?

This would solve the problem of why the police didn't take it as evidence - and they have been criticised a lot for this. It would make sense if it was wrapped ready, or in a box.

It would also explain why she hasn't been pictured with it.

As to the McCanns suing the newpaper for libel, I think this has been a bit overdue in coming as the Portuguese press have been way out of line in what they haveprinted as fact.

If the McCanns were charged (not that I think that they will be), their lawyers would argue that it would be impossible for them to have a fair trial in Portugal because of the judgements made in the press.

It is also the only way the McCanns can stop gossip-as-fact from escalating and it is in everyone's interests that the judicial system operate can operate fairly.

Also if they prepare a libel suit, the newspaper may have to divulge the basis for the printed information - and maybe their sources. Unless the newspaper isvery sure of its facts, it's conceivable that they will give in quickly and pay money into the Madeleine fund.

are they out of line? the papers have said the police secretly told us this and that. if it is true would that be a perfect defence? if a police officer told the paper his theory as fact would the paper have a defence to the charges.

answer the questions they can and do a press conference with police. it would be another way they can stop the gossip-as-fact. some facts they can not answer and a police officer sitting next to them saying "i'm sorry they can not answer that" would go a long way. did the parents take a lie detector test? did their friends? where did cuddle cat come from? was it maddie's or would it have been hers someday? did she have a special lunch with her parents that day and why? they cant answer questions about the crime scene or time line fine. answer some about their behavior.

as for the cat i just cant see it. you carry the toy with you on vacation and show it to a 3yr old then tell them this will be your gift but you can not have it? it might be that pesky culture difference again but we surprise our kids with their presents. i would never tell a 3 year old here is your future gift but you can not touch it yet unless we are talking about a family keepsake like grandma's china. it would drive the child nuts. if maddie never saw the cat why carry it everywhere. what you said about them taking the toy to punish her makes more sense to me. i could understand the mom's need to carry it with her then. the guilt over the fact you punished your child by taking a item that brought her comfort then left her alone and she was taken would be huge. it could make the cat a powerful symbol to the mom and be a reason she feels the need to always have it.

 

[CaliKid]

Supposed sighting of Maddie in France

It's at the bottom of the article after another rendition of how her school is treating her non-attendance (which I disagree with, btw)

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2005320001-2007400633,00.html

It came as police searched a campsite in France’s Loire Valley after a reported sighting of Madeleine — who disappeared 120 days ago.

Holidaymakers told cops a girl matching her description was seen at L’Etang de la Breche, near Tours.

A man arrived with three children on Wednesday after only booking for two. He is thought to have driven away after the alarm was raised.

At least this time they didn't wait a week before reporting the sighting.

 

[sherri79]

Supposed sighting of Maddie in France

It's at the bottom of the article after another rendition of how her school is treating her non-attendance (which I disagree with, btw)

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2005320001-2007400633,00.html

It came as police searched a campsite in France’s Loire Valley after a reported sighting of Madeleine — who disappeared 120 days ago.

Holidaymakers told cops a girl matching her description was seen at L’Etang de la Breche, near Tours.

A man arrived with three children on Wednesday after only booking for two. He is thought to have driven away after the alarm was raised.

At least this time they didn't wait a week before reporting the sighting.

as a parent i live with the fear of something bad happening to my child. i can not imagine letting my child live with that fear at 4. it might make the adults feel better to do something but is this healthy for kids who did not know her???

 

[CaliKid]

No, I don't think it is. These are just babies who should be free of fear as they develop social skills and learn their ABC's. To continually be reminded that one of their school mates was "kidnapped" makes them afraid and insecure.

 

[CaliKid]

http://www.correiodamanha.pt/noticia.asp?id=255990&idCanal=10

Translation by Oz at the Mirror forums (with permission to post):

Kate and Gerry Mccann want to leave the Algarve

PJ confident in the results of the analyses

All the analyses of the samples collected by the PJ in the apartment where Madeleine spent her holidays with her parents at the Praia da Luz, and the samples from the cars used by the McCanns and friends “will be done in the Birmingham Laboratory, without any transference to another country’, as indicated to the CM by a PJ source. And “the results will appear”.

“There are dozens of analyses,” an inspector confirmed, “ and therefore there was never any final date for the results”. The laboratory work continues in England, contrary to what has been recently reported – and “the scientists cannot be pressured because of the complexity of the analyses,” said the same source.

“Everything will be done”, and the results will be out, the PJ believes, while they continue the investigation “ with more discreet activities”.

Meanwhile, Maddies parents are preparing to leave the Algarve in the next two weeks, and a spokesperson for the couple, Justine McGuiness, only has a reservation until the 9th.

At the same time, relations between the British press and Justine are increasingly tense, with the latter being accused of favouring “those that give favourable reports regarding Kate and Gerry” according to what English reporters have told CM.

Some journalists who have asked “uncomfortable questions” have been given “discriminatory treatment regarding updates,” about the McCanns by the spokesperson.

In England, the school authorities where Maddie studied have decided to maintain a place for her at the school.

 

[Texana]

Supposed sighting of Maddie in France

It's at the bottom of the article after another rendition of how her school is treating her non-attendance (which I disagree with, btw)

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2005320001-2007400633,00.html

It came as police searched a campsite in France’s Loire Valley after a reported sighting of Madeleine — who disappeared 120 days ago.

Holidaymakers told cops a girl matching her description was seen at L’Etang de la Breche, near Tours.

A man arrived with three children on Wednesday after only booking for two. He is thought to have driven away after the alarm was raised.

At least this time they didn't wait a week before reporting the sighting.

The school situation is an example of how adults make themselves feel better at the expense of children. A simple "we pray Maddie is back soon" would be more appropriate for the children.

Frustrating about the possible sighting in France. Sounds like something was bungled if the alarm was raised before securing the area.

 

[Lanie]

Cuddlecat was reported to be a stuffed hippo, which Madeleine had named Cuddlecat, which implies to me she does have knowledge of this toy.

 

[Trino]

Cuddlecat was reported to be a stuffed hippo, which Madeleine had named Cuddlecat, which implies to me she does have knowledge of this toy.

So, the question remains as to why it was on a shelf. If Cuddlecat meant so much to Maddie that she brought it along, why wouldn't she have been sleeping with it?