Have I missed something in the case of the McCanns?

Question

1 I realise that the parents have been found guilty of child neglect, by the media and public. Assuming the facts are not in dispute, it would still be a question of law whether their conduct fell within any enactment concerning child neglect.

2. There are allegations by some of the answerers that the parents have committed murder. If this is not true then these are heinous and defamatory allegations. However, my question is this: although it is not necessary to prove motive in English law, what motive is ascribed to them by all the people who have found them guilty without trial?

Answer 1

One thing I have noticed in this ongoing debate on Y A is that the pro McCanns tend to use reasoned sensible arguments and a modicum of common sense. On the other hand it seems the anti brigade take the word of the media to be gospel without any consideration of the facts. Personally if some of the popular press told me it was raining I would leave my brolly in the house. They seem to have appointed themselves Judge, Jury and executioner. Innocent until proven guilty in my book.

Answer 2

I honestly don't know what to think in the whole case.
One minute I genuinely believe that Madeleine has been abducted (her fate after that - I have no definite thoughts) and the next I am looking at her parents on TV and thinking, "you don't look like grieving parents - did you kill her?"
However, in a million years I would not believe that - if they did kill her - they meant to cause her death. I have a thought that keeps recurring that has something to do with the rumour that the parents used to give Madeleine a mild sedative at night as she was difficult to settle. (Obviously, if you're a parent trying to go for a night on the razzle, you don't want to be delayed by a child that refuses to go to sleep!) Is it possible they (accidentally??) overdosed her on the sedative?
Then came back later and found her dead?
That's the only motive that I can think of for accusing the parents of murder.

Answer 3

The police suspect either one or both of killing Madeleine accidentally, then covering it up. This is well documented. Some people have used the word "murder", but this is not the Portuguese Police's view.

A theory which has currency at the moment, is that they sedated the children to keep them quiet, but accidentally gave Madeleine an overdose.

I think we are entitled to speculate on the case, as the McCanns themselves have fuelled all the publicity.

Answer 4

1. Yes, if the facts are what has been presented by the media they are guilty of child neglect. (not sure if it is in Portugal) Women have gone to jail for leaving their children alone.

http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=7031632

2. If the child was murdered by one or both of the parents the motive could be as simple as an accident or a fit of rage.

http://www.childdeathreview.org/causesCAN.htm

Answer 5

they have not used the maddy fund to try and find her only for there globe trotting trips and the fact they left there kids alone in an apartment while they went out drinking the distance they were away from that place doesn't matter they left the back door open and could not possibly see it from where they were drinking ,yes i am a parent and i would never have left my kids alone just to go to the pub

Answer 6

I don't know. It is my understanding that in order for the mother to be questioned as extensively as the authorities want to question her, she must be declared a suspect. I thougth it was just a procedural thing, and not really that she is a suspect.

I could be wrong though.

Answer 7

IMHO they are self richeous and over opinionated, and if you were standing trial for whatever crime you were accused of, you would be guilty in their eyes no matter what.

As you state, they are creating their own Libel cases because until otherwise notified, they are innocent.

Answer 8

because it makes them feel better about themselves. you forget, these people have never made a single mistake in their lives. they are perfect people. we should bow down to them.

lmao