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.
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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.
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