MadeleineMcCann Aimoo Forum List | Ticket | Today | Member | Search | Who's On | Help | Sign In | |
MadeleineMcCann > IMPORTANT INFO > Individual Topics Go to subcategory:
Author Content
TinLizzy
  • Rank:Diamond Member
  • Score:1787
  • Posts:1787
  • From:Canada
  • Register:11/07/2008 1:17 AM

Date Posted:04/06/2011 11:47 AMCopy HTML

http://themaddiecasefiles.com/post180955.html#p180955
I may need my tin hat at the ready as I am one of the few that does not agree that the Smiths saw Gerry walking through the streets with Madeleine's dead body in his arms I am sure you know that I maintain respect for those with a different opinion to my own so hopefully the impending response will keep that in mind!

From what I understand there is an overwhelming belief that the Smith sighting is accepted as a 'fact' and listed are some of the reasons.

1)Goncalo Amaral suggests it happened, therefore giving it credibility.

I respect Goncalo's comments but recognise them as not being his opinion but part of the investigation (statements etc whether true or not) and he was pulled from the case while he was still investigating the sighting, which may have shown it to be credible or may have not.

2)The sighting was in an area that could only have been part of Madeleine's disappearance.

Martin Smith says it was normal to see people carrying children (presumably in that area) Is the tapas creche the only reason to see people taking their children home in their arms?

Smith Family Statements
<!-- l -->post535.html#p535<!-- l -->

Quote:
At the beginning of this artery, he saw an individual carrying a child, who was walking normally and who did not seem out of place as it is normal to see people carrying children, especially during the holiday season. This individual was walking the downward path, in the opposite direction to the witness and his companions. He does not know where this person was headed as he only saw him as they passed each other. As he assumed they were a father and daughter, no suspicion was raised in him.


3) There has been no-one come forward to claim it was them

From what I understand it was only briefly reported in the Irish press in June? If it was someone else how would they have known?

4)The initial description matched Gerry and Madeleine.

They claimed the lighting was bad and would not be able to recognise him from a photograph.

Quote:
Martin Smith
He says that it would not possible to recognise the individual in person or from a photograph.

--- the individual did not appear to be a tourist, not being able to explain why he had this perception,

--- His wife does not want to make another statement.



Quote:
Aoife Smith
---When asked, she says that she would probably not be able to recognise the individual or the child.
---She has now seen photographs of Madeleine McCann and thinks that it could have been the missing girl. When asked she says that she is about 60% certain.

---She did not see the child's face because she was lying against the individual's left shoulder in a vertical position on the front of the individual’s body.

---The description made below of the individual that the witness saw was at around 22H00, when the lighting was tenuous.





Quote:
Peter Martin
---- he inferred that Madeleine could have been the girl who was being carried by the individual he saw.

---He did not see her eyes as she was asleep and her eyelids were closed.

---Having now seen various photographs of MADELEINE and television images, he says that the child being carried by the individual might have been her. He cannot state this as fact but is convinced that it could have been MADELEINE. Indeed, this is the opinion shared by his family

----He did not notice any other relevant details as the lighting was bad.

---He says that it would not be possible to recognise the individual in person or from a photograph.

------Adds also that his son TA*** was questioned in Ireland and said that the individual was wearing a long-sleeved coat, black in colour, and that the child was barefoot.


5) When Martin Smith saw Gerry McCann getting off the plane he was convinced it was the same person

Quote:
Martin Smith
---I saw Gerard McCann (sic) going down the plane stairs carrying one of his children on 9th September 2007 BBC news at 10 PM, I have been shown the video clip by Sergeant Hogan which I recognise. A clip I have seen before on the Internet. In relation to the video clips of Gerard McCann and the person I saw on 3rd May 2007 when I saw the BBC news at 10 PM on 9th September 2007 something struck me that it could have been the same person. It was the way Gerard McCann turned his head down which was similar to what the individual did on 3rd May 2007 when we met him. It may have been the way he was carrying the child either. I would be 60-80% sure that it was Gerard McCann that I met that night carrying a child. I am basing that on his mannerism in the way he carried the child off the plane.

--- after seeing the McCanns on the news on 9th Sept when they returned to UK he has not slept and is worried sick. He states he was watching the 10 PM on BBC and saw the McCanns getting off the plane and coming down the steps. He states it was like watching an action replay of the night he saw the male carrying the child back in Portugal. He states the way Gerry was carrying his twin triggered something in his head. It was exactly the same way and look of the male seen the night Maddie went missing . He also watched ITV news and Sky news and inferred it looked like the same person both times carrying the children.

Is asking a member of OP task ring him back. He was with group of 9 family and friends the night he saw the male in Portugal. He sounded quite worried and shaken whilst speaking to me


---During that time I spoke to all my family members who were with me on the night of 3rd May 2007 about this and the only one who felt the same way as me was my wife.



Compare to McCluskey statement
McCluskey Statements
<!-- l -->post39670.html#p39670<!-- l -->


Quote:
Mr. McCluskey
----In my original statement I described a distressed female who ran down a road towards a white van I had described.

---Having viewed recent news footage of Mrs McCann I am now almost certain that she is the female I described as being in a distressed state. I say this because of her slight build, high cheekbones and her eyes and hairstyle.

-------Another thing which has played on my mind is the coverage of Mr McCann walking off the aeroplane holding one of his young children. The way he was holding the child over his left shoulder reminded me of the man carrying the child from the white van in Portugal.

Although I could not describe the male I'd seen in Portugal because he had his back to me, it was the particular way Mr. McCann held the child that made me think. He held the child over his left shoulder with his left arm supporting the child’s weight.


6) The credibility of the witnesses

<!-- l -->post535.html#p535<!-- l -->

Quote:
Martin Smith
---after seeing the McCanns on the news on 9th Sept when they returned to UK he has not slept and is worried sick.

----He sounded quite worried and shaken whilst speaking to me

-----He has been contacted by numerous tabloid press looking for stories. He has been contacted by Mr Brian Kennedy who is supporting the McCann family to take part in a photo fit exercise. He has given no stories or helped in any photo fits.

---I do not believe that Martin Smith is courting the press and my view his is a genuine person. He is known locally and is a very decent person.

<!-- l -->post39670.html#p39670<!-- l -->

Quote:
Mr Richard McCluskey
Email from Stephen Robinson, Northumbria police to Leicestershire police

13th September 2007

Having viewed recent media coverage regarding the investigation, M, McClusky now states that the female he saw and described is Mrs. McCann( the missing child’s mother). He states he is "almost certain" that they are the same person and has agonised for days over what to do and whether to contact Police.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The only thing which prevents Mr. McCluskey from stating he in 100% certain in his "identification" is the fact that he would , in his words, " hate to incriminate and innocent person."

Mr McCluskey appears to be a credible person


I realise that there are more reasons to suggest the Smiths saw 'something' that night, but I also think its important to recognise, particularly after reading Richard McClusky's statement, that they could have been mistaken about it being Gerry.

It is important to keep an open mind as this theory negates a lot of other possibilities that may be credible, but are not being discussed because it doesn't fit with one 'theory'.

As I have said before, I may of course be wrong and the Smith sighting of Gerry walking through the streets with Madeleine's dead body is true...

On the other hand I may be correct in questioning it as a fact.

Beige button trousers is certainly compelling.

(Please give me a few moments to find my tin hat!) :s_laughat

ETA
Also, keep in mind that the McCluskey sighting turned out to be false, but I used it to highlight how credible and sure some people can be about seeing a 'suspect' and in this case credibly described Gerry walking off a plane in the same manner that has given the Smith sighting a lot of credibility.

Similarities in statementshttp://madeleinemccann.aimoo.com/Individual-Topics/McCluskey-Smith-Statements-Similarities-1-966353.html









McCluskey / Smith Statements Similarities Summary

http://themaddiecasefiles.com/post39670.html#p39670
McCluskey



SUSAN MCCLUSKEY

9th May 2007

I could describe the woman as 5 ft 5 inches - 5ft 6 inches blonde ponytail with a very worried / white face. I only noticed she was casually dressed.

(Note : This is a handwritten original and is the 2nd Statement, (made on the 12th September 2007), which Mr McCluskey made to the Police. It is the same as the Typewritten-up copy of his 2nd Statement referred to on Page 131 (in theTable of Contents Thread)—"Additional statement of Richard McCluskey 2007.05.09". I have copied and pasted the Page 131 copy here to save retyping the same statement again".


Apensos V, Vol 1, Page 137

Page 137 (Page 1 of 1) (Copied and pasted from the Page 131 reference)



Statement made 12th September 2007


Having viewed recent news footage of Mrs McCann I am now almost certain that she is the female I described as being in a distressed state. I say this because of her slight build, high cheekbones and her eyes and hairstyle.

I've agonised for days


 Another thing which has played on my mind is the coverage of Mr McCann walking off the aeroplane holding one of his young children. The way he was holding the child over his left shoulder reminded me of the man carrying the child from the white van in Portugal.

Although I could not describe the male I'd seen in Portugal because he had his back to me, it was the particular way Mr. McCann held the child that made me think. He held the child over his left shoulder with his left arm supporting the child’s weight.



Email from Stephen Robinson, Northumbria police to Leicestershire police

13th September 2007


Having viewed recent media coverage regarding the investigation, M, McClusky now states that the female he saw and described is Mrs. McCann( the missing child’s mother). He states he is "almost certain" that they are the same person and has agonised for days over what to do and whether to contact Police.

The only thing which prevents Mr. McCluskey from stating he in 100% certain in his "identification" is the fact that he would , in his words, " hate to incriminate and innocent person."

Mr McCluskey appears to be a credible person



SMITH
Martin Smith
May 26th 2007

 the individual carried the child in his arms, with her head laying on the individual's left shoulder

He cannot state this as fact but is convinced that it could have been MADELEINE, and this is the opinion shared by his family.


Aoife Smith
May 26th 2007

She has now seen photographs of Madeleine McCann and thinks that it could have been the missing girl. When asked she says that she is about 60% certain.


She did not see the child's face because she was lying against the individual's left shoulder in a vertical position on the front of the individual’s body




PETER DANIEL SMITH
May 26th 2007


At this time, he did not associate the individual with the disappearance, however after having thought about the subject and about the coincidence of the time, he inferred that Madeleine could have been the girl who was being carried by the individual he saw.

Having now seen various photographs of MADELEINE and television images, he says that the child being carried by the individual might have been her. He cannot state this as fact but is convinced that it could have been MADELEINE. Indeed, this is the opinion shared by his family.


Email from John Hughes to DIC Portimao, C.C. to Stuart Prior


20th September 2007
(Martin Smith)
after seeing the McCanns on the news on 9th Sept when they returned to UK he has not slept and is worried sick. He states he was watching the 10 PM on BBC and saw the McCanns getting off the plane and coming down the steps. He states it was like watching an action replay of the night he saw the male carrying the child back in Portugal. He states the way Gerry was carrying his twin triggered something in his head. It was exactly the same way and look of the male seen the night Maddie went missing . He also watched ITV news and Sky news and inferred it looked like the same person both times carrying the children.

Is asking a member of OP task ring him back. He was with group of 9 family and friends the night he saw the male in Portugal. He sounded quite worried and shaken whilst speaking to me


From: DC Hughes
Sent: Thursday, 20th September, 2007 15:42

Martin Smith contacted our department stating that after having observed the McCann family on TV alighting from the plane, he believes that the person he saw carrying the child that night was Gerry McCann. For your information.


From: Long Lindsay
Sent: 20th September, 2007
after seeing McCANNS on the news on 9th of September when they returned to the U.K. He has not slept and is worried sick. He states he was watching the 10 pm news on BBC and saw the McCANNS getting off the plane and coming down the steps. He states it was like watching an action replay of the night he saw the male carrying the child back in Portugal. He states the way Gerry was carrying his twin triggered something in his head. It was exactly the same way and look of the other male seen the night Maddy went missing. He also watched ITV news and SKY news and inferred it looked like the same person both times carrying the children. Is asking a member of the OP Task Force to ring him back. He was with a group of 9 family and friends the night he saw the male in Portugal. He sounded quite shaken and worried whilst speaking to me.



Portimao, 8th November 2007

Inspector

Joao Carlos

(Martin Smith)

upon catching sight of Gerald McCann on the television news, when he (GM) arrived at the UK and still at the airport, he (GM) appeared to him to be the individual whom he saw on 3rd May in Praia da Luz, carrying a child.




Martin Smith 2008.01.30

I took an additional statement from Mr Smith as requested. His wife does not want to make another statement. I showed him the video clip and he stated that it was not the clip that alerted him but the BBC news at 10 PM on 9th September 2007.

He has been contacted by numerous tabloid press looking for stor
ies. He has been contacted by Mr Brian Kennedy who is supporting the McCann family to take part in a photo fit exercise. He has given no stories or helped in any photo fits. He sent a solicitor’s letter to six papers in relation material that was printed that was misquoted. The Evening Herald paid his solicitor’s fees and all papers printed an apology. His photograph appeared in another tabloid paper and this matter is being pursued at the moment.

I do not believe that Martin Smith is courting the press and my view his is a genuine person. He is known locally and is a very decent person.






TinLizzy Share to: Facebook Twitter MSN linkedin google yahoo #1
  • Rank:Diamond Member
  • Score:1787
  • Posts:1787
  • From:Canada
  • Register:11/07/2008 1:17 AM

Re:McCluskey / Smith Statements Similarities

Date Posted:04/06/2011 11:51 AMCopy HTML

http://themaddiecasefiles.com/post39670.html#p39670

Apensos V, Vol 1 Page 136 (PDF Page 118)

Email from Stephen Robinson, Northumbria police to Leicestershire police

13th September 2007

Please find attached a witness statement provided by Richard McCluskey. Firstly may I apologise for the delay in forwarding but the system crashed at this end and the problem has taken some time to resolve.

Mr. McCluskey states he has already provided a witness statement in relation the enquiry having been on holiday in Portugal at the relevant time. He provided a statement in relation to suspicious activity he observed in the early hours of Saturday 5 May 2007.In the original statement Mr. McClusky states he described a male alighting a white coloured van and walking along a road carrying what appeared to be a motionless child. He then states he observed a distressed female run down a road and approach the same white coloured van.

Mr McCluskey did go into detail regarding the incident but then stated that all details were covered in his first statement, provided in May 2007. Not having had sight of the original statement it is obviously difficult to comment on the context and accuracy of the account given.

Having viewed recent media coverage regarding the investigation, M, McClusky now states that the female he saw and described is Mrs. McCann( the missing child’s mother). He states he is "almost certain" that they are the same person and has agonised for days over what to do and whether to contact Police. He is acutely aware of the possibly implications of his account. When asked why there had been such a time lapse in him making this "identification" he explained it as follows:
Mr. McCluskey states the thought had never crossed his mind that a child's parents could be implicated in such a matter. Media coverage over the past week or so has cased him to take a renewed interest in the case. The only thing which prevents Mr. McCluskey from stating he in 100% certain in his "identification" is the fact that he would , in his words, " hate to incriminate and innocent person."

Mr McCluskey appears to be a credible person and is not recorded on local intelligence systems.



------------------------------------------------------

With thanks to Skeptical

Apensos V, Vol 1 Pages 129-130

Page 129 (Page 1 of 2)


CONFIDENTIAL
STATEMENT
Number : S18
Surname : MCCLUSKEY
Forename(s) : SUSAN

Age : OVER 18 Date of Birth : 14th May 1957
Address : x, LIxx AVxxxx, SUNDERLAND, TYNE AND WEAR
Postcode : SRx xxx
Telephone No : 019153xxxxx
Statement Date : 9th May 2007 Number of pages : 3

I am the above named person living at an address known to the Police.

At approximately 10 to 2 in the morning of Saturday 5th May 2007, I was on holiday in the town of ALVOR, PORTUGAL, with my husband Richard. We were walking up the bank from the town returning to our hotel complex known as, CLUBE ALVORFERIAS, after a night out. We were the only people on the street. We were on the main road which was dark but lit by street lighting.

As we approached the hotel Raymond(sic) - (Richard surely ??) - drew my attention to a vehicle which had stopped on the junction across the road. It was parked in the middle of the junction and initially I had thought it had broken down because of the way it was stopped. I did not have any glasses on but I was able to distinguish a male with a child get up and stagger up the hill. I can say the vehicle was about 20-30f when it stopped (PAGE ONE) but we had a clear and unobstructed view of the junction. There was no traffic and the junction was well lit with street lighting. Raymond(sic) then decided to go across and check out the vehicle. We both went over and wrote the vehicle registration of the white 'pick-up' vehicle down on my hand. We had been at the vehicle only a very short time, possibly a couple of minutes when a woman and a couple in a dark vehicle appeared from the road in front of the van almost simultaneously. I could describe the woman as 5 ft 5 inches - 5ft 6 inches blonde ponytail with a very worried / white face. I only noticed she was casually dressed. I could see that the male who got out of the car was on his mobile phone. We got into conversation as he could speak English and I asked him whether he was looking for a man with a child to which he said yes. He said he had seen the man hit the girl who was her(sic) (possibly should be 'him') and had turned around to see if he could catch him which was how he had ended up here. I also asked him if he knew about the missing child to which he said yes. I said can we leave it with you and he said 'yes'. He was still on the (page 2) phone at this time.



Page 130 (Page 2 of 2)

We left and returned to the hotel. We went to security to report the matter but the doors were locked. We therefore went to our room and had a coffee watching Sky News. We saw the news that the girl still had not been found and a report of a couple acting suspiciously. We could not settle and returned to security and woke him up and explained the situation, after which we returned to the pick-up and saw it and the woman still there. At this point the security guard said leave it with me and initially we did. However after a while we had not had anybody call so we went back down and spoke to the security man who stated he had spoke to the woman who said she had a family argument over not being able to find a child minder, and he had to leave the van there for the boss to pick it up. We were incensed by this in light of what was on the news and Richard asked for the Police and contacted them himself.

(signed) S MCCLUSKEY

Signature witnessed by :

--------------------------------------------

Thanks to Skeptical


: APENSOS V, Volume I, Supposed Sightings and Locations (FILE 01)....(PDF Page 119)....Page 137—"Handwritten Richard McCluskey statement"


(Note : This is a handwritten original and is the 2nd Statement, (made on the 12th September 2007), which Mr McCluskey made to the Police. It is the same as the Typewritten-up copy of his 2nd Statement referred to on Page 131 (in theTable of Contents Thread)—"Additional statement of Richard McCluskey 2007.05.09". I have copied and pasted the Page 131 copy here to save retyping the same statement again".


Apensos V, Vol 1, Page 137

Page 137 (Page 1 of 1) (Copied and pasted from the Page 131 reference)


Statement made 12th September 2007


I am the above named person and I live at an address know to Police. In early May 2007 myself and my wife were on holiday in Portugal. I have already provided a witness statement in relation to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. I would like to add the following;

The events of the past week or so, with the McCanns being very much in the news, have triggered my memory in relation to the incident.

In my original statement I described a distressed female who ran down a road towards a white van I had described.

Having viewed recent news footage of Mrs McCann I am now almost certain that she is the female I described as being in a distressed state. I say this because of her slight build, high cheekbones and her eyes and hairstyle.

I've agonised for days over whether or not to contact the police about this because it is a terrible thing to accuse somebody of. It had just not crossed my mind that the child’s parents could in some way be involved in her disappearance.

I have watched a good deal of news coverage about the McCanns over the past week or so. Another thing which has played on my mind is the coverage of Mr McCann walking off the aeroplane holding one of his young children. The way he was holding the child over his left shoulder reminded me of the man carrying the child from the white van in Portugal.

Although I could not describe the male I'd seen in Portugal because he had his back to me, it was the particular way Mr. McCann held the child that made me think. He held the child over his left shoulder with his left arm supporting the child’s weight.

(signed).......R McCluskey

--------------------------------------------

APENSOS V, Volume V

Pages 1123 – 1125

Service Information

Date 2007/05/25

To: The Coordinator of the Criminal Investigation

From: Inspector F. Antonio

Subject: Communication of facts about the Disappearance of Madeleine McCann

We inform you that today this police station received a phone call followed by the sending of this handwritten document by fax at about 11.15 by a person who identified herself

Handwritten:

- Same situation
- Two different number plates
- One (JG) already discounted => NEG
- The other (CG) Toyota Maize => NEG
28th May

Typed text continues:

as MK with residence at Rua R. A. D, Leça do Balio.

At this address at about 13.00 KZ, a Ukrainian citizen with temporary residence permit nº +++, mobile n+++ the wife of the aforementioned accompanied by her baby son DK was contacted by myself and my colleague Milton Trigo. She identified her husband as being the owner of vehicle with NIF nº 234700025, her husband, together with a colleague from work, on Monday 21-05-2007 at about 15.00 left for the Ukraine for some time, also taking with them her daughter aged 4, IK, who like her son was born in Portugal where they have lived for the past 6 years. Her husband and daughter are staying at the following address *******, Ukriane, telephone number *****.

Personal identification documents for the husband and daughter wee not presented as they had them with them but other proof of their names was presented. Recent photos were shown, of April this year and from before with their daughter in Leça where they live. Physical similarities were noted with the missing girl Madeleine McCann, although (the Ukrainian girl) was bigger and with a rounder face.

Having previously spoken to the neighbours it was established that the girl had left with the father and a colleague on Monday for the Ukraine. It was observed that having taking this girl on such a long journey was justified that she did not stay with the small boy (which would have been) a burden for the mother.

The description of the facts denounced was explained in this way. There was no doubt that the girl was the daughter of both, known by the neighbours and having lived at the address for a long time.

By the woman’s admission, without mentioning the case of Madeleine McCann further, as she was now being heard by the police and regarding any doubts concerning the motive, she says that she had already observed – as had her husband – that her daughter could be confused with Madeleine because of the physical similarities and age.

For your information.

Signed

The Inspector


Following page has car registration details
<!-- m -->http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/ap/A ... _p1125.jpg


<!-- m -->
TinLizzy Share to: Facebook Twitter MSN linkedin google yahoo #2
  • Rank:Diamond Member
  • Score:1787
  • Posts:1787
  • From:Canada
  • Register:11/07/2008 1:17 AM

Re:McCluskey / Smith Statements Similarities

Date Posted:04/06/2011 12:00 PMCopy HTML

http://themaddiecasefiles.com/post535.html#p535

Revised version

Processos Vol VI
Pages 1606 to 1610


Policia Judiciaria

Witness Statement


Date of Diligence: 2007.05.26
Time: 10.40
Location: DIC Portimão

Name: MARTIN SMITH

Nationality: Irish

Profession: Retired

The witness states:
That he comes to the process as a witness.
Being of Irish nationality, he does not understand Portuguese in its written or oral form and is accompanied by an interpreter, Lidia Nascimento.

He has an apartment in Luz, Lagos, located in the Estela da Luz Urbanizaco, A1C. This apartment is co-owned by a friend whose name is Li** ON****. He normally goes on holiday in Portugal, always stays in this apartment, three times a year.

As regards this period, he states that he arrived in Portugal on the 30th of April 2007, with a booked return date, which he complied with, on May 9, 2007. He arrived at Faro airport and flew out from Dublin.

Concerning the facts under investigation, on the day of 3rd of May, he went with his family to the Dolphin restaurant in Praia da Luz where they dined. At around 21H00 they left the restaurant and headed toward 'Kelly's Bar'; about a 50 metre distance from the restaurant, given that the journey is very short, it took a couple of minutes. In 'Kelly's Bar' they consumed some drinks, having left around 21H55 as his son was due to return to Ireland very early the next day. This bar is located on Rua da Calheta.

After leaving the bar, he travelled in the opposite direction and reached a set of stairs which gave access to Rua 25 de Abril . On this artery they followed a second street, parallel to Rua 1 de Maio, whose name he does not remember, heading towards the Estrela da Luz complex which is located a little above the street that crosses the primary school. At the beginning of this artery, he saw an individual carrying a child, who was walking normally and who did not seem out of place as it is normal to see people carrying children, especially during the holiday season. This individual was walking the downward path, in the opposite direction to the witness and his companions. He does not know where this person was headed as he only saw him as they passed each other. As he assumed they were a father and daughter, no suspicion was raised in him.

When asked, he states that when he passed this individual, it must have been around 22H00 and that he was totally unaware that a girl had disappeared. He only became aware of the disappearance of the child on the morning of the following day, from his daughter L***** who was in Ireland and who sent him a message or called the witness telling him what had happened.
Now having knowledge of this situation he inferred that Madeleine could have been the girl who was being carried by the individual he saw.

As regards the description of the individual who was carrying the girl he said: Caucasian, around 175 to 180cm in height. He appeared to be about 34/35 years old. He had a normal complexion, rather slim. His hair was short, in a normal male cut, brown in colour. He cannot state if it was dark brown or lighter in tone. He did not use glasses nor did he have a beard or moustache. He did not notice any other relevant details partly due to the fact that the lighting was not very good.

He was wearing cream or beige-coloured cloth trousers in a classic cut in a cotton type of cloth. He did not see his shoes. As regards the clothing he was wearing on his chest, he says that he cannot remember nor describe its colour nor form.

As regards the child, he says that the child was female, about four years of age as she was similar to his granddaughter of the same age. It was a child of normal complexion, about a metre in height although he cannot say this categorically as she was being carried. She had blond medium-hued hair, without being very shiny. Her skin was light white, typical of the British. He did not see her eyes as she was asleep and her eyelids were closed.

She was wearing light-coloured pyjamas, he cannot define the exact colour. She was not covered by any other blanket or cover. He cannot confirm whether she was barefoot however, within his group, they spoke about the child having no covering on her feet.


When asked, he states that the individual did not appear to be a tourist, not being able to explain why he had this perception, however he presumes it because of the individual's clothing. He states that the individual carried the child in his arms, with her head laying on the individual's left shoulder which was to the right of the witness. He adds that the individual was not holding the child in a comfortable position, showing that this was not habitual.

Having now seen various photographs of MADELEINE and television images, the witness says that the girl he saw being carried could be her. He cannot state this as fact but is convinced that it could have been MADELEINE, and this is the opinion shared by his family.

When asked, he says that the individual did not say a word nor did the child as she was in a deep sleep.

He says that it would not possible to recognise the individual in person or from a photograph.

He adds that in May and August of 2006, he saw ROBERT MURAT in Praia da Luz bars. On one of these occasions, the first, he was inebriated and spoke to everyone. He did not wear glasses at this time. He also states that the individual who carried the child was not ROBERT, as he would have recognised him immediately.

Upon being asked, he states that he was accompanied by his wife, MARY SMITH and his son, PETER SMITH, his daughter-in-law, SILE, and his grandchildren of 13 and 6 years of age respectively (children of PE***) TA*** and CO**, his daughter AOIFE (12 years of age) and his other two grandchildren (AI****** (10 years old) and EI**** (four years old) who are children of his daughter B***** who was in Ireland.

He also says that when he passed this individual he was walking in the middle of the street, given at that time traffic is minimal or non-existent. The witness was also walking in the same place.
.
He adds that the group was walking several metres away but that they could have seen the individual from various different positions.
A sketch is attached indicating the route and place of the sighting.
He has no other elements to offer the investigation.

And nothing more was said. He reads the statement and finds it in conformity, ratifies and signs together with the interpreter.

--------------------------------

Revised Translation

Processos Volume VI
Pages 1611 - 1614


Policia Judiciaria

Witness Statement

Date of Diligence: 2007.05.26
Location: This Department

Responsible Officer: Inspector Carvalho

Name: Aoife Smith

Nationality: Irish

Profession: Student

The witness states:

She comes to the process as a witness.
Being of Irish nationality, she does not understand Portuguese in its written or oral form and is accompanied by an interpreter, Filipa Maria da Conçeição Silva.

On 30th April 2007 she travelled to Portugal on holiday, specifically to the Algarve. She came with her parents Martin and Mary Smith and her two nieces.

They stayed in the Estrela Da Luz complex in Praia da Luz where her parents have an apartment.

Her brother Peter was already in the apartment when they arrived as was her sister-in-law, her nephew (six years old), CO** and the son of her sister-in-law, TA*** (13 years old).

They came with the intention of holidaying for about 10 days, having returned to Ireland on May 9, 2007 (she is not absolutely certain of the date).

She spent the holiday in the complex pool, in Praia da Luz and in the shopping centre. Normally, they spent Praia da Luz.

They would dine between 19.00 and 20.00, in the apartment or in the Dolphin, Cavaleiro da Luz, Chaplin or Marujo restaurants - all situated in the Praia da Luz area.

When dining in the apartment, it was normal for them not to go out. When they did go to restaurants, they would pass by Kelly's Bar, situated – she thinks - on Calheta Street in Praia da Luz.

Regarding the 3rd of May, 2007, she went, together with the whole family, to dine at the Dolphin restaurant, which is close to Kelly's Bar. When they left the restaurant around 21H30, they headed toward Kelly's Bar. They stayed there for about 30 minutes.

At around 22H00, they left Kelly's Bar. The group headed, on foot, for their apartment.

When asked, she responds that she knows the time they left because her brother and father decided to go home earlier that night. There were two reasons for this: her sister-in-law was not feeling very well and because her brother, sister-in-law, nephew and son of her sister-in-law, were catching a flight to Ireland the following morning.

Upon leaving the bar, they turned right and headed along the road for 40/50 metres. At this point, they again turned to the right and ascended a small street with steps which lead to Rua 25 de Abril. As it was a large group (four adults and five children) they walked in a spaced out manner along the street some walking ahead, some further behind. She does not remember how they were divided.

The witness remembers that upon reaching the top of the steps, she looked to her left and saw a man (1) with a girl (2) in his arms, walking along the path Rua 25 de Abril. He was walking in their direction at a distance of, more or less, two metres.

The witness crossed to the other side of Rua 25 de Abril and began walking up Rua da Escola Primária, in the direction of the Estrela da Luz complex.

She did not see if the individual in question carrying the child descended the Rua das Escadinhas or if he continued along Rua 25 de Abril.

It was the first time she saw that man. She does not remember seeing him before at any time anywhere.

She has now seen photographs of Madeleine McCann and thinks that it could have been the missing girl. When asked she says that she is about 60% certain.

The description made below of the individual that the witness saw was at around 22H00, when the lighting was tenuous.

When asked, she says that she would probably not be able to recognise the individual or the child.


Personal Description:
(1) the individual was male, Caucasian, light-skinned, between 20/30 years of age, of normal complexion, normal physique, around 1.70/1.75 metres in height. At the time she saw him, she did see his face but now cannot remember. She believes that he had a clean-shaven face. She does not remember any tattoos, scars or earrings. She did not look at his ears. His hair was thick, light brown in colour, short at the back (normal) and a bit longer on the top.

The trousers he was wearing were smooth straight-legged trousers, light beige in colour, of a cotton type material, thicker than linen, possibly with buttons and without any patterns.

She did not see what he was wearing on his top half as the child covered almost completely what he was wearing and she had no idea of what it could have been.

As regards his shoes she cannot say anything because she did not see them.

The individual's gait was normal, being able to distinguish it between walking quickly and running. He did not appear tired and walked normally while carrying the child.


(2) As regards the child the witness says she was female because she had long smooth hair, neck length, fair/brown in colour.

She is certain that the child was about four years old because her niece (who was in the group) is of the same age and same height.

She did not see the child's face because she was lying against the individual's left shoulder in a vertical position on the front of the individual’s body. She appeared to be sleeping. Her arms were suspended along her own body and were not wrapped around the individual who was carrying her. She did not look at the child's hands and cannot state the colour of her skin, having the feeling that it was white.

There was nothing covering the child, a comforter/blanket or any other piece of clothing but because of the girl’s position, she only saw her from the back.


She was wearing light coloured trousers, white or light pink-coloured that may have been pyjamas. She does not remember if they were patterned as it was dark. The material was fine and could have been cotton.

She also had a light coloured top, with long sleeves. She did not see well because the individual had his arms around the child. She is not sure if the child's top was the same colour as her trousers, saying only that it was light in colour.

When questioned regarding her shoes, she responds that she did not remember seeing any, not knowing if she was wearing shoes or not.

When asked to tell the truth, she states that what she has just stated is the truth of the facts, according to her knowledge.

And nothing more was said. Having read the statement and finding it in conformity, she ratifies and signs together with her interpreter.

---------------------------------------

Processo Vol XIII
Page 3991

NUIP 201/07 o GALGS
4ª Brigada



Information


We can infer, from the analysis of the information contained in folios 2871 and 2872, that the statement of Martin Smith, duly identified and filed as folio 1606, reports new elements.

This information alleges that upon catching sight of Gerald McCann on the television news, when he (GM) arrived at the UK and still at the airport, he (GM) appeared to him to be the individual whom he saw on 3rd May in Praia da Luz, carrying a child.

As a result of this and because of the fact of the witness being resident in Ireland, we contacted an officer from the Irish force for the Iberian Peninsula, in Madrid, Bernard Gattney, who took on the task of carrying out the necessary arrangements in order to proceed to a new questioning of Martin Smith.

He was sent by email a copy of the information including the witness statement, and a list of questions to ask him, duly translated into English.

Portimao, 8th November 2007

Inspector

Joao Carlos

-----------------------------------------

Processos Vol XIII
Page 3995 (in English)

Email sent from Joao Carlos Silva Pereira to Bernard Gattney

8th November 2007
Subject: Martin Smith

Bernard ,

According to our phone contact, I hereby enclose the report on Martin Smith, son of P S and C S, born in Ireland on *****, and an Irish citizen, passport nº *****, home address*****.

Following the enclosed report you are now kindly requested to ask him the following questions:

- Does he confirm the statement he made in Portugal on May 26th 2007?

- Can he describe in detail the individual he saw carrying a child on May 3rd 2007, notwithstanding the fact that he has already made this description in his previous statements? Was this individual alone?

- When and in what mass medium has he seen the news of Gerald McCann going down the plane stairs, and carrying one of his children? (If possible he should be shown the above-mentioned pictures, as well as asked whether he confirms or disconfirms this man was the same individual he saw on May 3rd 2007).

- Was it really Gerry McCann? Is he sure of this fact?

- Does he recognise Gerald McCann from the facial features or from the way he was carrying the child?

- Are his family members, namely the ones who were with him on May 3rd 2007, able to recognise the individual? If yes, do they also identify the individual as being Gerald McCann? (If yes, such family members should also be interviewed with a view to equally answering the above questions).

- Any other possible significant question, whether arising from the answers of Martin Smith to the above questions or that is deemed as relevant, should be equally asked.

------------------------------------

Revised Translation


Processos Volume VI
Pages 1615 to 1624

Policia Judiciaria


Witness Statement

Date of Diligence: 2007.05.26
Time: 15.30
Location: DIC Portimão

Responsible Officer: Inspector João Carlos

Name: PETER DANIEL SMITH

Nationality: Irish

Profession: Commercial Manager

The witness states:

That he comes to the process as a witness.
Being of Irish nationality, he does not understand Portuguese in its written or oral form and is accompanied by an interpreter, Lidia Nascimento.

His father owns an apartment in the Luz Villa, Lagos, specifically in the Estrela da Luz complex, corresponding to A1C. His father comes to Portugal at least three times a year. The witness went the first time he travelled to Portugal

With regard to this period he states that he arrived in Portugal on the 26th of April 2007 and had his return passage (which he complied with) booked for the 4th of May of the same year. He arrived at Faro airport having left from Dublin. He arrived a few days before his father, by choice in relation to the days available. He was accompanied by his wife, S***, and his two children TA*** and CO** aged 13 and 6 respectively.

He would like to clarify that on day of the 3rd of May, he and the family went to the Dolphin restaurant, situated in Praia da Luz, where they dined. At around 21H00, they left the restaurant and headed toward Kelly's Bar, which is about one minute away on foot. In Kelly's Bar (he does not remember the name of the street it is on) they had a few drinks and left there around 21H50/22H00.

They left the bar, and went up a set of stairs that give access to a road just above. On this road, they walked towards another street (whose name he does not know) and headed for Estrela da Luz. At the beginning of this road, he saw an individual carrying a child. This individual was walking normally although with somewhat quick steps as he was walking downwards. He appeared normal to the witness, as if this were father and daughter. He adds that this individual was coming down the street, in an opposite direction to that of the witness and his companions. He does not know the destination the individual took as he only saw him while they passed each other.

When asked, he states that when he passed this individual it was around 21H55/22H00 and he had absolutely no knowledge at that time that a child had disappeared. He only found out about disappearance of the girl the next morning by means of someone he knew, the son of the builder of Estrela da Luz, who was also at the airport. The witness went to the airport given that, as planned, he intended to return to Ireland on this day.

At this time, he did not associate the individual with the disappearance, however after having thought about the subject and about the coincidence of the time, he inferred that Madeleine could have been the girl who was being carried by the individual he saw.

As regards the description of the individual carrying the girl he says: Caucasian, around 175 to 180 cm in height. He was around 35, or older. Slightly brown skin as a result of sun exposure. He had a normal complexion, in good form. He had short hair, brown in colour. He does not remember if he wore glasses, or if he had a beard or a moustache. He did not notice any other relevant details as the lighting was bad.

Neither does he remember the clothing the individual wore or his shoes. He states that he did not look at these details as his pregnant wife was somewhat indisposed and he was constantly looking at her and therefore did not pay attention to observing the individual.

He states the child was female. She was perhaps two or three years old. She appeared to be a bit smaller than his niece of the same age. It was a girl with a normal complexion. She had blond hair, of medium tone, without being very shiny. Her skin was white, typically British. He did not see her eyes as she was asleep and her eyelids were closed.

He does not remember her clothing very well but believes it was light summer clothing light in colour. He does not remember if she was covered by any blanket or covering. He cannot say whether she was barefoot.


Having now seen various photographs of MADELEINE and television images, he says that the child being carried by the individual might have been her. He cannot state this as fact but is convinced that it could have been MADELEINE. Indeed, this is the opinion shared by his family.

When asked, he states that the individual did not say a word nor did the child as she was sleeping deeply. He adds that the individual did not try to hide his face or lower his gaze. He did not notice anything strange.

He says that it would not be possible to recognise the individual in person or from a photograph.

When asked, he says that when he saw the individual, the witness was accompanied by his wife, S***, his father MARTIN, his mother MARY, his children TA*** and CO** aged 13 and 6 respectively, his sister AOIFE aged 12 and his two nieces AI****** and EI****, aged 10 and 4, the children of his sister B*****, who was in Ireland.

He also says that when he passed the individual, the individual was descending to his right, and walked past the witness in the middle of the street, given that at that time the traffic was minimal or non-existent.

He adds that the group was walking at a distance of some meters so that they were able to see the individual from various different positions.

A sketch is attached showing the route and the location of the sighting.

Adds also that his son TA*** was questioned in Ireland and said that the individual was wearing a long-sleeved coat, black in colour, and that the child was barefoot.

He has no other elements to offer the investigation.

And nothing more was said. Having read the statement and finding it to be in conformity, ratifies and signs together with the interpreter.

------------------------------

Processos Vol XIII
Pages 3996 – 3997 (in English)


Email from John Hughes to DIC Portimao, C.C. to Stuart Prior


20th September 2007

Subject: Fwd Smith family

From Lindsay Long to John Hughes

20th September 2007

Re – Smith family

Location : Portugal Out of Force Area

Origin: Mr Martin Smith Ireland.

Text: Reported that he had passed a male carrying a child in Praia da Luz the night Maddie went missing. Went and made a statement to Portugal police in Portimao on 26th May and returned to UK. Is saying that after seeing the McCanns on the news on 9th Sept when they returned to UK he has not slept and is worried sick. He states he was watching the 10 PM on BBC and saw the McCanns getting off the plane and coming down the steps. He states it was like watching an action replay of the night he saw the male carrying the child back in Portugal. He states the way Gerry was carrying his twin triggered something in his head. It was exactly the same way and look of the male seen the night Maddie went missing . He also watched ITV news and Sky news and inferred it looked like the same person both times carrying the children.

Is asking a member of OP task ring him back. He was with group of 9 family and friends the night he saw the male in Portugal. He sounded quite worried and shaken whilst speaking to me

Title: Info on Maddie


----------------------------------------------

Processos, Volume XI
2871 to 2875—Smith Family Memorandum regarding contact with PJ after McCanns return home

From: DC Hughes
Sent: Thursday, 20th September, 2007 15:42
CC: Prior Stuart
Re: FW: Smith Family

This is the Irish family that saw a man transporting a child on the night in question and returned to Portugal to collaborate with the investigation. Martin Smith contacted our department stating that after having observed the McCann family on TV alighting from the plane, he believes that the person he saw carrying the child that night was Gerry McCann. For your information.

DC John Hughes


----------------------------------------------


__________________


From: Long Lindsay
Sent: 20th September, 2007 11:37
CC: Hughes John (DC)
Re: Smith Family

Rec via: TELEPHONE Series: 241 Ident: BC19-8286-1055 20/09/07
Telephone: *********
Locale: Portugal/Out of country
Origin: Mr. Martin Smith –Ireland

Text: Reported that he passed a male carrying a child in Praia da Luz the night Maddie went missing. Went and made a statement to Portugal police in Portimao on 26th of May and returned to the U.K. Is saying that after seeing McCANNS on the news on 9th of September when they returned to the U.K. He has not slept and is worried sick. He states he was watching the 10 pm news on BBC and saw the McCANNS getting off the plane and coming down the steps. He states it was like watching an action replay of the night he saw the male carrying the child back in Portugal. He states the way Gerry was carrying his twin triggered something in his head. It was exactly the same way and look of the other male seen the night Maddy went missing. He also watched ITV news and SKY news and inferred it looked like the same person both times carrying the children. Is asking a member of the OP Task Force to ring him back. He was with a group of 9 family and friends the night he saw the male in Portugal. He sounded quite shaken and worried whilst speaking to me.

Rec by: TPHONE Serial: 241 Ident:BC19-8286 1055 20/09/07
1101 8286-BC19 Incident linked to 209 26/06/07
1101 8286-BC19 Incident Result ODI: ADMIN DUPLICATE INCIDENT
QNG: QUALIFIER NOT REQUIRED
1101 8286-BC19 Incident Closed

Lindsay Long
Holmes Indexer
Major Crime
Braunstone Police Station
Ext.
------------------------------------------------

Processos, Volume XVI, pgs. 4129 to 4414
4135 to 4139—

Additional statement from Martin Smith 2008.01.30 (English)


Detective Branch
Drogheda
County Lough


Re – Investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann

I took an additional statement from Mr Smith as requested. His wife does not want to make another statement. I showed him the video clip and he stated that it was not the clip that alerted him but the BBC news at 10 PM on 9th September 2007.

He has been contacted by numerous tabloid press looking for stories. He has been contacted by Mr Brian Kennedy who is supporting the McCann family to take part in a photo fit exercise. He has given no stories or helped in any photo fits. He sent a solicitor’s letter to six papers in relation material that was printed that was misquoted. The Evening Herald paid his solicitor’s fees and all papers printed an apology. His photograph appeared in another tabloid paper and this matter is being pursued at the moment.

I do not believe that Martin Smith is courting the press and my view his is a genuine person. He is known locally and is a very decent person.

Forwarded please

Sergeant

Liam Hogan

I hereby declare that this statement is true to the best of my knowledge and belief and that I make it knowing that if it is tendered in evidence I will be liable to prosecution if i state in it anything which I know to be false or do not believe to be true.


I would like to state that the statement I made on 26th May 2007 in Portugal is correct. The description of the individual that I saw on 3rd May 2007 carrying a child is as follows. He was average build, 5 foot 10” in height, brown hair cut short, aged 40 years approximately. Wearing beige trousers and darkish top maybe a jacket or blazer. He had a full head of hair with a tight cut. This individual was alone. I saw Gerard McCann (sic) going down the plane stairs carrying one of his children on 9th September 2007 BBC news at 10 PM, I have been shown the video clip by Sergeant Hogan which I recognise. A clip I have seen before on the Internet. In relation to the video clips of Gerard McCann and the person I saw on 3rd May 2007 when I saw the BBC news at 10 PM on 9th September 2007 something struck me that it could have been the same person. It was the way Gerard McCann turned his head down which was similar to what the individual did on 3rd May 2007 when we met him. It may have been the way he was carrying the child either. I would be 60-80% sure that it was Gerard McCann that I met that night carrying a child. I am basing that on his mannerism in the way he carried the child off the plane. After seeing the BBC news at 10 PM, footage on the 9th September 2007 I contacted Leicestershire police with this information. During that time I spoke to all my family members who were with me on the night of 3rd May 2007 about this and the only one who felt the same way as me was my wife. She had seen the video clip of Gerard McCann walking down the stairs of the plane earlier that day. We did not discuss this until some days later. This statement has been read over to me and is correct.


--------------------------------------------------

Processos Vol XI
Page 2875

Policia Judiciaria

NUIPC 201-070 GALGS



NOTE

On this date I state for the files that at about 12.12 I had telephone contact with the witness Martin Smith, by means of phone number ********* who referred to the communication he made on 20-09-2007 to the British authorities, that confirms his sighting and showing his full availability to travel to Portugal with the aim of making statements and collaborating with this police in all the diligences that could be considered necessary concerning these events.

Portimão, 27th September 2007

Signed

Inspector Paiva

ETA: Doc linked in TOC.

Copyright © 2000- Aimoo Free Forum All rights reserved.