ARTWORK: TEXTUSA
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
#McCann: #Drogheda : An IRISH Family Only Too Happy To Help The Police..
AN Irish family holidaying in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on the night Madeleine McCann went missing say they will "fully cooperate" with any new police probe.Madeleine was almost four years old when she vanished from her bed in her parents' apartment at the Ocean Club holiday resort in Praia da Luz between 9.35pm and 10pm on May 3, 2007.
Despite a massive police investigation and huge publicity worldwide, she has not been found. However it has now emerged that a group of Portuguese detectives have been appointed to carry out a fresh review of the investigation.
Reports in British newspapers have claimed Scotland Yard officers will approach the Smith family in the coming weeks as they attempt to construct a photofit on the prime suspect.
Tragedy
Mary Smith told the Herald today that the family still sees Madeleine story as a "terrible tragedy" and that they will co-operate fully with investigators.
"We have not been contacted by police yet and we will wait for their instructions," she added.
Police reports state that Mary and Martin left Kelly's Bar in the resort at approximately 10pm when they passed a male they said was carrying a young girl who was barefoot.
- Niall O'Connor
LUCKY for Robert Murat that the Smith family knew of him otherwise the McCanns and their good friends the Tapas 4 would have framed Murat for the murder of little Maddie McCann.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Aoife Smith : Description Of ' The Abductors' Beige Trousers Possibly With Buttons
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.
PETER DANIEL SMITH - Statement May 26th 2007
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
http://themaddiecasefiles.com/post534.html#p534
Aoife Smith Statement : May 26th 2007
http://themaddiecasefiles.com/post534.html#p534
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Martin Smith :Additional Statement From Martin Smith 2008.01.30
http://themaddiecasefiles.com/post541.html#p541
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.
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.
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.
Mr. Martin Smith : Statement -May 26th 2007
http://themaddiecasefiles.com/post534.html#p534
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 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.
She was wearing light-coloured pyjamas, he cannot define the exact colour.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
She was wearing light-coloured pyjamas, he cannot define the exact colour.
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.
Irish Tourist Clears Murat
John Kelly
First published: 04 January 2008
(Same article later republished with new headline: 'Missing Madeleine McCann: Irish Witness 'Clears' Murat', 12:00pm UK, Monday April 07, 2008 )
An Irish tourist who saw someone carrying a child in a blanket on the night Madeleine McCann disappeared insists that the mystery man was not Robert Murat.
Martin Smith, from Drogheda in Co Louth, was on holiday in Praia Da Luz with his family when they bumped into the man just before 10pm on May 3 last year.
The Smith family's suspicions were aroused because the man made no response when they asked if the barefoot child was asleep.
"He just put his head down and averted his eyes, which is very unusual in a tourist town at such a quiet time of the year," said Mr Smith.
Initially the Smith family thought nothing more of the encounter - and even the next day when the story broke they still didn't make the connection.
"We were home two weeks when my son rang me up and asked was he dreaming or did we meet a man carrying a child the night Madeleine was taken," said Mr Smith.
"We all remembered the same recollection, and I felt we should report it to the police.
"We've all been beating ourselves up that we should have made the link sooner, if only we'd remembered the next day. But the Portuguese police said you see these things on holiday all the time."
The Smiths did contact the Portuguese police once they had returned to Ireland, but say they have had no contact with the officers investigating the case since May last year.
"I rang the Portuguese police and they took a statement from me on the phone," said Mr Smith.
They asked me to make a statement to the Gardai, which I did, and two days later Leicestershire police got on to us.
"My eldest son, Peter, my youngest daughter, Aoife, and I then flew to Luz to make a statement. They didn't seem to be the most efficient police you ever came across - and that was the last time we had any contact with the investigation.
"I don't know if this information will help the McCanns, but anything we can do to help try to solve it, we will.
"We were looking at all the commotion on Sky News and we really felt quite helpless. We had two grandchildren with us at the time and it had a terrible effect on them - they all wanted to sleep in the same room as us."
But Mr Smith is certain that the man he and his family saw that night was not Robert Murat, who is still officially an "arguido" in the Madeleine McCann investigation.
"I told police it was definitely not him because the man wasn't as big as Murat - I think I would have recognised him because I'd met him several times previously.
He was wearing beige trousers and a darker top. We all put him in his early 40s and I didn't think he was Portuguese."
Mr Smith's sighting is similar to the one reported by Jane Tanner, a friend of the McCann family.
A spokesman for the McCanns said detectives from the Spanish agency hired to investigate the case are now hoping to speak to the Smiths.
Retired Mr Smith, 58, does not wish to appear on camera in order to protect his family from media intrusion.
Maddie: Irishman Provides Dramatic New Clues
Daily Mail (appeared in paper edition only) EXCLUSIVE: Tourist met rude man carrying child in blanket on night Madeleine vanished By SANDRA MURPHY, VANESSA ALLEN January 3, 2008 AN IRISH holidaymaker has spoken publicly for the first time of his disturbing encounter with a man carrying a child wrapped in a blanket on the night Madeleine McCann disappeared. Now investigators hired by Madeleine's parents hope Martin Smith and his family can provide a crucial breakthrough. Speaking from his home in Drogheda, Co. Louth, Mr Smith recalled the sighting, which is strikingly similar to one by a friend of the McCanns, Jane Tanner. In hindsight, the retired Mr Smith said, the mans rude behaviour should have aroused his suspicions. He explained: "The one thing we noted afterwards was that he gave us no greeting. "My wife Mary remembered afterwards that she asked him, 'Oh, is she asleep?' But he never acknowledged her one way or another. "He just put his head down and averted his eyes. This is very unusual in a tourist town at such a quiet time of the year." Their description of the barefoot child and the man, who wore beige trousers, echoes that of Miss Tanner, who said she saw a man carrying a sleeping child away from the McCanns apartment about 9.15pm. Though the Smith family believe they met an almost identical man closer to 10pm, the coincidence prompted them to contact police after they returned to Ireland. Mr Smith said: "Luz is such a small place and so quiet, we felt a duty to tell police and let them decide if it was important." Last night, McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said detectives from the Spanish agency Metodo 3 now hoped to speak to the family. "Metodo 3 is being very methodical, working through a number of people they think might be able to help them, and this family will be on their list." On the night of the disappearance, Mr Smith was dining with his wife in the Dolphin restaurant in Praia Da Luz, where they are frequent visitors. The couple were with their daughter Aoife, their son Peter and his wife Sile,as well as four grandchildren Tadhg, Cole, Aisling and Eimear. All nine met the man holding a child but their recollection differs slightly from Miss Tanner's. "In the image she gave, the man was holding the child forward in his arms. The man we saw had put the child over his shoulders. But Luz was very, very quiet at that time of the year and the likelihood of two young children being carried around like this is very small. "Also, our timings are a bit different. She saw the man at 9.15pm. We say 9.45or 9.50pm and the sighting was only a five-minute walk from where the child was staying. "I dont know if this information will help the McCanns. We kept interested in whats going on but we tried to avoid the limelight." The father of six yesterday said the Irish family would do anything they could to help the McCanns find their missing daughter. "We have not been contacted by the private detective hired by the McCanns, and have had no contact with the investigating police since May 26 last year. "But anything we can do to help try to solve it, we will." Recalling the event she witnessed, Mr Smith said it was some time before the family realised they could be star witnesses "We were out the night it happened. My son and his family were leaving on the Friday and we were going for a family meal. We went home about 9.50pm and we heard nothing at all about Madeleine McCann until the next day. "I was taking my son Peter to the airport and on my way back, I heard that a kidnapping had happened in the village of Luz. "We were looking at all the commotion on Sky News and we really felt quite helpless. "We had two grandchildren with us at the time, aged four and five, and it had a terrible effect on them. "They all wanted to sleep in the same room as us until we went home on the Wednesday. "We were home two weeks when my son rang up and asked was he dreaming or did we meet a man carrying a child the night Madeleine was taken. We all remembered that we had the same recollection. I felt we should report it to the police. "I rang the Portuguese police and they took a statement from me on the phone.Then they asked me to make a statement to gardai, which I did in Drogheda two weeks after the disappearance. "Two days later, Leicestershire police got on to us and said they wanted to speak to all nine of us. But we felt there was no point dragging grand children and the whole lot out to Portugal so just my eldest son, Peter, and youngest daughter, Aoife, and I flew to Luz to make a statement. "The police were fairly busy and the station was pretty typical. They didnt seem to be the most efficient police you ever came across but they are probably no different to police anywhere else. We were interviewed separately and told them what we saw, and showed them on the map where we met the man and child. "We spent the whole day there from 10.30am to 7pm with an interpreter. That day, May 26 last year, was the last time we had any contact with the investigation.I remember clearly because it was my wedding anniversary. "I told them we went for dinner at the Dolphin Restaurant and then went on to have just one drink in Kelly's bar, just 50 yards away. "We would normally have stayed out longer but my son and his family were going home the next day. "As we made our way back to our apartment in Estrella da Luz, we met a guy with a child that appeared to be asleep. "It looked like a blonde child, and I thought she might be four years old, as she was the same size as my grandchild who was with us. "It was around 9.55pm and it was getting dark and he was looking downward so I couldnt tell you exactly what he looked like. "None of us was 100 per cent sure what he was wearing but we all told police he was wearing beige trousers and a darker top. We all put him in his early 40s. I didnt think he was Portuguese." Insisting he knew chief suspect Robert Murat visually for years, Mr Smith told police the person he saw carrying a child could not be him. "I told police it was definitely not him because the man wasn't as big as Murat. I think I would have definitely recognised him." |
Maddy: We saw abduction
Maddy: We saw abduction Daily Mirror Paul Byrne in Praia da Luz 3/01/2008 A family who may have seen Madeleine McCann being abducted could provide vital evidence in the search for the missing four-year-old. The group saw a man walking towards the beach in Praia da Luz while carrying a child at the time Madeleine vanished, exactly eight months ago. Portuguese police have taken statements from the family, who live in Drogheda, Ireland. Now detectives hired by Madeleine's parents want to speak to Martin Smith and his family. The Smiths were leaving Kelly's Bar just before 10pm when they saw a man carrying a child 500 yards from the McCanns' apartment. Kate McCann, 39, raised the alarm about her missing daughter at around 10pm. The Smiths are thought to have described the man as white and 5ft 7in to 5ft 9in tall. His top clothing was obscured by the child. That description matches a suspect seen walking away from the apartment at about 9.15pm by Jane Tanner, a member of the "Tapas Seven" group of friends who were on holiday with the McCanns. She saw a man carrying a child wearing pink pyjamas similar to those worn by Madeleine. The McCanns' spokesman said yesterday: "Our detectives are being very methodical and I am quite sure that this family will be on their list." The eight-month deadline means suspect Robert Murat, 34, hopes to be formally cleared today. |
Irish family's Maddie quiz
Irish family's Maddie quiz The Sun From: VERONICA LORRAINE in Praia da Luz Published: 03 Jan 2008 PRIVATE detectives hunting for Madeleine McCann are to quiz an Irish family who may have been the last to see her alive. Martin Smith, his wife and children told cops they saw a man carrying a little blonde girl in Praia da Luz on the night Maddie vanished. Investigators from the Metodo 3 agency hired by Maddie's parents Gerry and Kate are preparing to travel to Ireland to interview them. The family, from Drogheda, Co Louth, believe they saw the man taking the sleeping tot down to the beach at the Portuguese resort. The Smiths were leaving Kelly's Bar — 400 metres from the McCanns' apartment — between 9.50 and 10pm on May 3 last year. They flew home to Ireland the next day, but when the times of Maddie's abduction were revealed, the family remembered seeing a man, 5ft 7in to 5ft 9in tall and dressed in beige, carrying the child. Significantly the description matches that given by Jane Tanner, 37, a friend of the McCanns. Mr Smith, who has already spoken to Portuguese cops over the sighting, said yesterday: "I'd talk to anyone to move this investigation on. I think about Maddie every day." He added: "I found the Portuguese cops not to be the most efficient bunch." His wife Mary, 59, said: "We saw a man carrying a blonde child. It was just such a normal thing to see in a holiday resort — we didn't think anything of it at the time." The Sun reported on Monday how Metodo 3 — which is costing the Find Madeleine Fund £300,000 — plan to blitz Morocco after several leads pointed to the country. |
Drogheda family hit out over Madeleine case clue coverage
Wednesday August 08 2007
A DROGHEDA family who may hold vital clues as to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have hit out at media distortion of evidence that they have given to Portuguese police.
Maple Drive man Martin Smith, his wife and his children had just left the Kelly bar, which is located approximately 400 metres from the McCanns? apartment at the Ocean Club between 9.50-10pm on the night Madeleine disappeared.
They returned to Ireland the next day, and because the reported abduction times didn?t originally match, they never had cause to examine their journey that night.
As it emerged that Madeleine was abducted around the same time, one of the family members had a flashback of the moment some time later and encouraged the others to jog their memory.
They remembered passing a man walking towards the beach with a child in his arms.
Other than his approximate height and the fact that he was wearing beige clothes they cannot be more specific than that.We are annoyed at how vague our description is,? said the family member.
The family contacted the Portuguese police and flew back over to give evidence.
However, contrary to media reports, Mr Smith had not seen chief suspect Robert Murat in a bar the evening that Madeleine was abducted.He definitely didn?t see him on the night in question,? said a family member.
The family are also mystified at reports that he knows Mr Murat.They met once in a bar about two years ago.
My dad would only know Mr Murat by sight,? said the family member.However, from what he knows, he can say that the man who was carrying the child was not Robert Murat.?
http://www.drogheda-independent.ie/frontpage/drogheda-family-hit-out-over-madeleine-case-clue-coverage-1060695.html
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