FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 7
Kate McCann declared a suspect
KATE MCCANN was made a formal suspect in the case of Madeleine’s disappearance. Family members said they feared Kate McCann may be charged and that evidence may have been planted in order to “frame her”.
Gerry McCann, writing on his blog, dismissed the suggestion that his wife could have been involved in the four-year-old’s disappearance as “ludicrous”.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 8
McCanns plan to stay in Portugal
THE MCCANNS said they plan to stay in Portugal to prove their innocence after Gerry McCann was also made an official suspect, about 12 hours after Kate and after they had been questioned separately.
The move allows the PJ investigators to put certain questions to the couple and also gives them the right to remain silent. Neither has been charged with any offence and no bail conditions have been imposed.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 9
McCanns arrive in the UK
GERRY AND Kate McCann arrived in their home village in the UK after flying back from Portugal 129 days after their daughter Madeleine disappeared.
After landing at East Midlands Airport, Gerry McCann said: “We want the twins, as much as is reasonably possible, to live an ordinary life in their home country. Despite there being so much we wish to say we are unable to do so, except to say this: we played no part in the disappearance of our lovely daughter, Madeleine.”
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 10
Family feel Madeleine is still alive
GERRY MCCANN’S sister Philomena said the family were now trying to cope with the intricacies of the Portuguese legal system. “They are taking legal advice and trying to work through the maze that is the Portuguese legal system,” she said. “It is unbelievable they have been named as suspects. We want the investigation changed round to look for Madeleine alive, as we reckon.”
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 11
Preliminary case report submitted
POLICE sent their preliminary report to the public prosecutor. The report includes details of the forensic analysis of samples taken from the holiday apartment and several hire cars and the testimonies taken by investigators, including Kate and Gerry McCann.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 12
Decision is expected within 10 days
A decision on the Madeleine McCann case is expected within 10 days after files were passed on to a more senior judge just a day after being delivered to the Algarve-based public prosecutor.
Options available include ordering more search warrants, changing the McCanns’ or Robert Murat’s arguido status, asking for more interviews or for stricter bail conditions to be imposed and charging one or all of the three arguidos.
The McCanns announce that they will arrange for an independent analysis of their hire car, which they are still paying for.
