RESEARCH TOOLS


Dr Gerry McCann

Victim Gave a statement at the hearing on 23 November 2011 (PM) ; and submitted 2 pieces of evidence

Witness statement of Gerry McCann 30 October 2011

This presents a chronological account of events, starting with the disappearance of Madeleine McCann and the legal and other circumstances in Portugal, going through a period of press support, then growing hostility, especially once the couple had ‘arguido’ status in Portuguese law. McCann describes the arrangements the family made to handle intense media interest. As the fabrication of stories continued, the couple tried privately to persuade editors to change course but eventually sued the Express papers, which quickly settled. He describes legal actions against the News of the world and Associated Newspapers and gives an account of dealings with the Press Complaints Commission (PCC), concluding that it is ineffective. After discussing the publication of Kate McCann’s book, ‘Madeleine’, he states that papers were driven to publish falsehoods by commercial motives and calls for ‘culture change’.

Oral evidence of Gerry and Kate McCann 23 November 2011

Afternoon session, beginning transcript p7

Questioned by Robert Jay QC and David Sherborne. This is a long session in which they shed additional light on most aspects of Gerry McCann’s statement. Some further elements are added, including a description of the family’s journey to the airport in Portugal, pursued by reporters. Gerry McCann opens by describing four main areas of concern: libel; privacy; contempt for judicial process and accountability. Jay addresses these at the end.

Hearing Video and Transcript

23 November 2011 (PM)

Questioned by Robert Jay QC and David Sherborne. This is a long session in which they shed additional light on most aspects of Gerry McCann’s statement. Some further elements are added, including a description of the family’s journey to the airport in Portugal, pursued by reporters. Gerry McCann opens by describing four main areas of concern: libel; privacy; contempt for judicial process and accountability. Jay addresses these at the end.

Witness Statement

Witness Statement of Gerald Patrick McCann
Witness Statement for witness Dr Gerry McCann

Evidence

Oral Evidence given by Dr Gerry McCann
Oral Evidence for witness Dr Gerry McCann

Themes

Understand all the key topics and the context behind the Inquiry's findings

Journalism & society
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Regulation
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Politics
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Future of journalism
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Background & history
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Subsequent developments
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Ethics & abuses
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