This information belongs to the Ministério Público in Portimão, Portugal.
It was released to the public on 4 August 2008 in accordance with Portuguese Law

2068 to 2070  includes 59-DA-27  Letter to Dr. Amaral re: possibility Madeleine may have died in the apartment with request for search warrant for McCann rental residence and car 2007.08.01

 TRANSLATED BY INES

08 Processo 8 Pages 2068 to 2070

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Processo pages 2068 and 2069

A note for the case file dated 1 August 2007 with respect to the dog search reports from 31 July and 1 August requesting the authorisation necessary to search the then-residence of the McCann family and the hire vehicle.

Faced with the new matters brought to the file through the dog search reports above, [those searches being] based on Mark Harrison's report already on file, and which [search results] support that Madeleine McCann may have died inside apartment 5A, Ocean Club, Luz, Lagos, where she was on holiday with her parents and two siblings.

The above reports state that the dogs alerted to cadaver odour and human blood inside the apartment, it already having been established that no death has occurred there previously.

In point a) [apartment 5A] of the report we can infer the locations of cadaver odour as well as the presence of traces of human blood. Also at point f) we see that cadaver odour was detected in the garden immediately adjacent to apartment 5A. Nothing was signalled in the other places.

In order to allow us to thoroughly examine this situation, which could have its conclusion through new evidence, it is requested for a voice record, legally sanctioned, specifically of two locations:
1 - Rua das Flores, no 27, Vivenda Vista do Mar, Luz Park, Luz, Lagos (the present residence of the McCann family in Luz)
2 - Hired vehicle used by the McCanns, the "Renault Scenic", number plate 59-DA-27.

Further, and of no small importance, it is also requested that a magistrate issue search warrants for [the above two locations] to enable us to recover new items/clues.

I ask that you consider the above and decide at your convenience.

Portimao, 1 August 2007
Inspector
Joao Carlos

Page 2070
Handwritten note, saying the request will be furthered to the Magistrate of the Public Ministry and to the court of Comarca.

Processos Vol VIII Page 2075

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(Copies on Pages 2135 and 2137 and in OA IV, Vol I Page 182)

Lagos Public Ministry

SEARCH WARRANT

Case: 201.070 GALGS

Date: 01-08-2007

The Assistant Prosecutor, Sandra Marques, Support Unit of the Lagos Public Ministry:

ORDERS that according to the terms of articles 174 , 176, 178 and 267 of the Penal Process Code a SEARCH will be made of the premises identified below, for the EFFECTIVE APPREHENSION of all elements that could clarify the investigation and instruction process according to the terms of article 178 of the same code.

Before proceeding to effect the search, copy of the dispatch attached determining who had access to the place, mentioning that they can be present during the search and be accompanied or substituted by someone of confidence will be delivered. If the persons in reference are not present, copy of the dispatch can be delivered where possible to a family member, neighbour, caretaker or whoever acts as substitute, article 176, n 1 and 2 of the CPP.

Under the terms of nº 3 of the same legal code, jointly with or during the search, persons present at the scene can be searched or the search may be effected if there are reasons to presume that anyone is hiding any objects related with a crime or which could act as evidence about their person.

All information will be included in the process files.

Period for compliance: 10 days.

Location of inquiry:

Renault vehicle, Scenic model, number plate 59-DA-27.

Signed

Assistant Prosecutor

Sandra Marques

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From the Public Ministry, Lagos

Behaviour susceptible of including the crimes of homicide and hiding of a cadaver is being investigated, according to articles n? 131 and 254 of the CPP.

Therefore, and considering the existence of indications that would substantiate a strong suspicion that inside the vehicle that the McCanns were using, there could be elements of proof (instrumental and direct) of the practice of the crimes that are being investigated in the case and that are susceptible to being of fundamental importance for the objectives of the inquiry.

Therefore, based upon the suggestion of the PJ, I authorise, on the basis of articles n? 174, 176, 178 and 267 of the CPP, the carrying out of search and apprehension of objects and other elements of proof related to the objective of the process:

- in the vehicle Renault Scenic, number plate 59-DA-27.

To this effect I will sign the warrants which should be delivered to the PJ for compliance.

Duration: 10 Days.

Afterwards deliver the files and warrants to the PJ.

Signed

The Deputy Prosecutor

08_VOLUME_VIIIa_Page_2139

Report on search of Renault Scenic 59-DA-27 2007.08.06
Between 14h00 and 17h30 the Renault Scenic was searched by the canine support team, in
accordance with the inspection document [search and seizure warrant] attached.

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Sniffer Dog Report

Date: 06 and 07 August 2007

Place: Underground Car Park, Praca 1 de Maio, Portimao.

Participants:

1. PJ ? Tavares de Almeida, Chief Inspector
2. PJ ? Joao Carlos Pereira, Inspector
3. PJ ? Ricardo Paiva, Inspector
4. UK ? Mark Harrison
5. UK Martin Grime UK Forensic Canine P SM Expert
6. EDDY ? English Springer
7. KEELA ? English Springer

AN IMAGE AND SOUND RECORDING OF THE WHOLE INQUIRY WAS MADE.

On 6th August 2007 at about 15.17 a sniffer dog inspection was carried out of the following cars that had been placed for this purpose in the underground car park mentioned previously:

Vehicle n? 1 ? Opel Corsa ? number plate 75-AG-62
Vehicle n? 2 ? Fiat Punto ? number plate 45-49-ER
Vehicle n? 3 ? Peugeot 205 ? number plate RI-96-03
Vehicle n? 4 ? Renault Scenic ? number plate ? 59-DA-27
Vehicle n? 5 ? Skoda Fabia ? number plate 96-26-VE
Vehicle n? 6 ? Volkswagon Transporter ? number plate 44-77-KD
Vehicle n? 7 ? Nissan Patrol ? number plate VH-24-22
Vehicle n? 8 ? Volkswagon Passat ? number plate 57-12-HP
Vehicle n? 9 ? Audi A4 ? number plate 10-91-FP
Vehicle n? 10 ?Renault Kangoo ? number plate 07-50-UI


The inquiry began at the time indicated, the dog EDDY which detects cadaver odour, searched the whole of the floor of the underground car park where the cars were parked with the following result:

15.27 ? the dog ?marked? vehicle n?4 ? Renault Scenic ? number plate ? 59-DA-27, the rental car currently used by Gerry and Kate McCann.

The Renault Scenic vehicle ? number plate 59-DA-27 was removed to the third floor of the underground car park and was subjected to a forensic search by officers from the Scientific Police Laboratory and another sniffer dog inspection that began at 03.49 on 7th August by the dog KEELA, which detected human blood remains, the following results were noted:

03.53 ? the dog ?marked? a zone on the right inferior side of the inside of the luggage compartment of the vehicle;

04.11 ? the dog 'marked' the compartment on the driver's side, which was seen to contain the vehicle's key, of a plastic electronic card type, with a key ring from the Budget car rental agency.

With the aim of confirming whether the dog had effectively ?marked? the vehicle's key, which was inside the compartment on the driver's side, at 04.13 the key in question was removed from the vehicle and hidden in a place far from the vehicle on the third floor of the underground car park.

At about 04.14 it was observed that the dog ?marked? the area of a box containing sand from the Fire Service, underneath which, effectively, the vehicle's key had been hidden.

At approximately 04.50 a new sniffer dog inspection was carried out using the dog EDDY which detects cadaver odour, using the vehicle key which for this purpose was hidden on the fourth floor of the underground car park, far away from the vehicle.

At about 04.51, it was observed that the dog ?marked? the area of the box containing sand from the Fire Service, underneath which the key had been hidden.

Signed.

TRANSLATED BY ALBYM / INES

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Processos Vol XI
Pages 2897 – 2898


External Inquiry Report

Date: 2007-09-25

Place: Albufeira, Lagos and Praia da Luz

Inquiry requested by: Chief Inspector Tavares da Almeida

Executing Officers: Inspectors Ferreira and Gomes


Description and Result of Inquiry:


On the date referred to above and accompanied by my colleague mentioned above, I went to the offices of the car rental agency A.A. Castanheira – Budget, situated in Albufeira. In compliance with orders received from superiors I requested information about the vehicle previously used by the McCann couple, make Renault, model Scenic, number plate 59-DA-27. I was informed that the vehicle in question was returned to the company on the 23rd September at about 15.30, in the company’s Lagos installations. After the return of the vehicle, employee H****** S**** drove the vehicle to the Faro company installations, where it was parked until being taken to the Renault installations in Oeiras, where it was delivered on the 25th September. I was provided with copies of the rental car contract signed by Budget and the arguido Gerald McCann, which are enclosed and which show that the period for the return of the vehicle terminated on 24-09-2007 at 12.30.

In order to provide me with further clarification, my interlocutor put me in telephone contact with I***** P*****, from Budget administration, contactable on ***********. This lady explained to me that the company AA Castanheira-Buget used the vehicle by means of a contract they have with Renault Portugal. The contract they have giving them the right to use the car had already terminated and this is why they had already requested the return of the vehicle by the McCann couple in order to return the Renault. They informed the McCanns that they could exchange the vehicle for another if they wished to continue to use the company’s services. As they showed an interest in continuing to use the same vehicle in question, they were informed that they could continue to do so only if they were to purchase the vehicle, to which they responded negatively and that is why they had to return the car.

Subsequently, and also upon superior orders, we proceeded to inquiries with the aim to determine the identity of the owner of the house where the McCanns had stayed for the last weeks, situated at Rua das Flores, 27, Praia da Luz, Lagos.

We established that the residence is situated in a zone called Luz Parque in Praia da Luz. The owner of the property is A******* M****** of Dutch nationality, contactable on ******. However, this individual had delegated the administration of the property to the rental company Winkworth in Lagos.

In the installations of this company we contacted the person responsible for the administration of the property in question, P***** C*****.

She told us that two “agreements” were signed with the McCann couple for their occupation of the property, copies of which are joined.

She added that after the departure of the McCanns this property was occupied by its owner for a short period before being lent by him to a couple he was friends with, this couple currently occupies the property.

P**** C**** said that during the McCann’s stay in the property, Winkworth also offered a cleaning service, once a week, which was carried out by **** M****.


Signed

---------------------------------------------------

External diligence 25 September 2007 re: hiring of villa and Renault Scenic
Date: 25 September 2007; Place Albufeira, Lagos and the town of Luz
Officer: Paulo F. and David G., both Inspectors.
Description of the work:
--- On the above date, accompanied by my colleague named above, I went to the company offices
of the vehicle rental company "A.A.Castanheira - Budget" in Albufeira. There, in compliance with
higher orders, I requested information about the vehicle previously used by the McCann couple,
Renault Scenic, licence 59... I was informed that the vehicle was returned to the company on 23
September last, at 15h30, at their Lagos premises. Soon after that delivery a Budget employee,
Henrique S., drove it to the company premises in Faro where it was parked until having been taken
to the premises of Renault Portugal in Oeiras where it was delivered precisely on 25th. I was
furnished with copies of the vehicle contracts between Budget and Gerald McCann, which are
attached, where one can verify [observe] that the period for delivery of the vehicle terminated at
12h30 on 24 September 2007.
--- In order for better clarification my interlocutor [the lady with whom I was speaking] put me in
telephone contact with Sra. Isabel P. in Budget management. This lady explained that the firm
AAC-Budget used that vehicle under a contract they have with Renault Portugal. The contract that
gave them [AAC-B] the right of use of that car had already terminated and therefore they had
already asked for the McCanns to return it in order for them to deliver it to Renault. They had
informed the McCanns that they could exchange it for another vehicle should they have intended
to continue to use the services of the company. Given that they had shown interest in continuing to
possess that specific vehicle they were told that the only way that that could be done would be if
they had proceeded to buy it, to which they had responded negatively and therefore they had
returned it.
--- Afterwards, also under superior determination, we proceeded the work with a view to determine
who owned the property that the McCanns had recently inhabited at Rua das Flores ... Luz -
Lagos..
--- We then determined that that address was situated exactly in the area known as Luz Park in the
town of Luz. The owner is Mr Arnold M., a Dutch citizen, contactable by phone on 31653...
However, this man had delivered the administration of the property to a company, Administration of
Properties and Rentals situated in Discovery Avenue ... Lagos, phone 282... and fax 282..., known
as Winkworth.
--- At the premises of this company we contacted the person responsible for the administration of
the property in question, Sra. Patricia C., contactable by phone 912...
--- She told us that two "agreements" had been made with the McCanns under which they had
lived in the property, copies of which agreements were furnished and are attached.
--- I have added that soon after the departure of the McCanns from the villa it had been re-
occupied by its owner for a short period, having then been lent by Mr Arnold M. to a couple who
were friends of his, and who were still currently there.
--- Mrs Patricia C. stated further that during the McCann's stay in the villa the Winkworth company had also furnished a cleaning service once a week which work was done by employee Sra. Ana
M., contactable by phone 912...
Signed ...

2945 to 2952 includes 59-DA-27  Letter 27 September to Amaral from DCCB inspectors re: investigation

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The DCCB got wind of the possible arrival of certain Englishmen from an information gathering organisation (CRG) supposedly with an assignment to clean places and things associated with the family. Looking into this possibility, the following data was obtained:
- The 'flower' villa was occupied by the family from 2 July through 9 September 2007; the contract was effective from 1 July and the key was returned to the letting agent on 10 September by the wife of an Anglican 'pastor' who practised in Luz.
- That lady later confirmed the delivery of the key and that while in her possession no-one had asked for it nor had she seen anything abnormal at the villa.
- A female journalist from ITV (UK) wished to rent the villa to make some films; her request was declined, the Dutch property owner, present in the property on 11 September, had already permitted Dutch friends of his to live there, and had authorised new shrubs to be planted in the garden.
- It would seem that the new work was not done as the Portuguese gardener and the owner had some difficulty in communication, due to the language barrier.
- On 10 September the house cleaner performed her usual chores and placed two or three boxes of 'dossiers' in the garage, which boxes were later collected by the same lady who had returned the key. When the family were in residence the cleaner was always in the company of a friend or family member.
- The Scenic was rented on 27 May with an additional driver, Cameron, and, at the end of August, Wright was added to the contract. It was returned to the rental offices on 23 September by an unnamed person described as six-foot, short grey hair, 60-65 years, whose signature on the delivery note is illegible.
- The odometer on return was 14,443 km; it had been 3,114 at the start, so the vehicle had travelled 11,229km. [NOTE: Arithmetically, that should read 11,329km]
- At the Ocean Club, apartment 5A had been booked for the nights of 28 April through 4 May (vacating on 5th); the family stayed in apartment 4G from 4 May through 2 July (vacating on 3rd)
- Apartment 5A was subsequently let between 12 and 19 June (to friends of the owner); 28 June to 12 July (to three people with Irish names); 12 to 19 July (to an English couple) and 19 to 26 July (to a family with Southern Asian names).
- On 20 September, two men and a women, claiming to be from "Sky News", attempted to force open the external blinds of the front bedroom of apartment 5A and were asked to leave the area; on 25 September a three Spanish persons - again two men and a woman - were found with cameras on the patio balcony of apartment 5B. Having no identification, but being in possession of film equipment, they were believed to be journalists.
- Cleaning staff in Ocean Club were persistently accosted by journalists, often with offers of money, to provide access to apartment 5A. They were always refused but the personal particulars of the pests were not noted.
- With respect to possible sightings of the father at two buildings near/next to the Luz cemetery, various apartments were available in those buildings; it could not be ascertained which, if any, apartment may have been of interest.
- With respect to the property Vila D'Arte, at which the father had been reportedly seen at some time during July, and to which the family (adults and two children) had travelled in a Citroen C3 or Renault Clio, it had been the permanent residence of persons originating from Holland and/or UK for some 4 to 5 years; the (then-)present occupants hired it through an Internet site from 24 to 29 September.
- The local informal agent for that property had always understood that only friends or family of the owners were granted access to it..
- Back at 5A of the Ocean Club, on 26 September someone forced up the external blinds of the front bedroom to an oblique angle. There appeared to be no attempt to force open the window. The security guard stated between 21:00 and 21:05 he had done the 'rounds' of the block, then walked down to the supermarket and back again whereupon he found the damage which he called in immediately.
- He and a colleague from the same security detail had conversed shortly before 21:00 noting that neither had seen any strangers other than two Canadian television journalists, a man and a woman, who had been seen at a nearby bar.
- Given the limited damage and that there had been many people at that location [presumably during the previous days and all authorised] there was no attempt to retrieve fingerprints, but inquiries were made of TV crews and journalists in and around Luz and Lagos, without result.

Letter from DCCB (Direccao Central de Combate ao Banditismo ))


To: The Coordinator of the Criminal Investigation, Dr Amaral

Date 27 September 2007

Information

The undersigned, accompanied by Inspectors Ramos, Ricardo, Brigantim, and Dordonnat, in compliance with superior orders, and following information related to the possible arrival in Portugal of individuals of British nationality belonging to a private company linked to various activities, mainly the gathering of information, a company called Control Risks Group, who supposedly have the objective of cleaning spaces/objects related to the McCann family, the following inquiries were carried out in order to check the truthfulness of the facts referred to in continuation:


1. With help from the Winkworth Estate Agency in Lagos, it was established that the residence occupied by the McCann couple in Rua da Flores, lot 27 ? Vivenda Vista do Mar, P da L was effectively occupied by them on 02-07-2007, whilst the contract shows that the hire period began on 1st July, according to the copy of the contract we were given.

- The McCanns? departure took place on 09-09-2007 and the keys to the house were returned the following day (10-09-2007) to the Winkworth office in Lagos by an English woman named Susan who was the wife of the Anglican vicar who celebrated mass in the P da L church.

- With the help of P**** C***** from the Winkworth agency it was established that after the McCanns left the villa the agency was contacted by a female individual called M***** C++++ from ITV, who claimed she wanted to rent the villa for a few days with the aim of making some films, her request was denied.

- In contact with the owner of the villa, Mr A***** M***** of Dutch nationality he said that at the moment the villa was being occupied by some friends of his, of Dutch nationality, surname S************, the husband named R********, the wife J*****, R being the director of the Museo de Arte Antiga.

- The owner of the villa said that he had been in the villa after the departure of the McCanns and that it seemed to him that there were new plants at the bottom of the garden, without being able to indicate exactly which plants, a fact that he commented on with the gardener F**** Do S*****.

- When the gardener was contacted that in spite of the fact that he does the maintenance of the garden, he had not detected anything abnormal in it, namely the existence of new plants, saying that he had some difficulty in maintaining a dialogue with the owner, because of the language barrier.

- From the cleaner who worked in the residence occupied by the McCanns, it was found out that on the previous Monday 10-09-2007, she carried out her normal cleaning routine without noticing anything abnormal, just remarking that two or three boxes with dossiers were in the garage and which were later collected by a friend of the McCanns?, Susan.

- She says that whenever she went to the house occupied by the McCanns she always found them to be accompanied by friends or family.

- On the 11-09-2007, the Dutch owners of the residence were also present at the property.

- When they (PJ) contacted Susan, they found out that she was Susan Harboard (sic) and it was confirmed that she had returned the key to the estate agency after the McCann?s departure.

- During the period that the key was in her possession, it was not requested by anyone, nor does she remember seeing anything abnormal at the residence.

2. As regards the Renault Grand Scenic, number plate 59-DA-27, it was hired by Gerry from Rent a car AA. Castanheira, with offices in Lagos, on 27-05-2007 and was delivered to the McCann couple at the apartment they were occupying in P da L, from which time it was noted in the contract that a friend of the McCanns, Alexander Cameron, was noted as an additional driver.

- At a later date, at the end of August, another additional driver was added to the contract, Michael Terrence Wright.

- The return of the car to the rental agency, was done at the agency?s offices on 23-09-2007 by a Caucasian individual, who appeared there alone, speaking English, about 1.80 cm tall, with short grey hair, about 60-65 years old, who signed the delivery document for the return of the car, but whose signature is illegible.


- When the car was delivered to the McCanns it had 3.114 km on the clock and when it was returned it had 14.443 km on the clock, thus 11.227 km had been travelled during the period the car was in their possession.

3. In relation to the McCanns? stay at the OC, the following was checked: Date of occupation of apartment 5 A 28-04-2007 and the departure date was registered on 05-05-2007, being certain that from 04 ? 05 they did not stay in the apartment. They entered apartment 4G on 04-05-2007 and left on 03-07-2007.

- After the disappearance apartment 5 A was occupied by the following individuals: 12-06-2007 ? 19-06-2007 by R and F. F****** (friends of the owners), from 28-06-2007 ? 12-07-2007 by SR, W & CF, 12-07-2007 to 19-07-2007 by BSP and JFP, 19-07-2007 ? 26-07-07 by MMS family.

4. It was stated by Silvia Batista that on 20-09-2007, during the morning, three reporters from Sky News, two men and a woman, were seen on the patio of apartment 5 A and that they had forced the external blind to the bedroom that Madeleine had disappeared from, probably with the intention of filming inside, and she told them to leave. But she said that yesterday 25-09-2007 a security guard was asked to come to the same apartment as there was a group of three journalists ? two Spanish men and a woman, who had set up cameras on the patio next to Apartment 5 A which was occupied at the time. Their identification was not noted, but given the fact they had filming equipment, they were assumed to be reporters.

- With regard to journalists, it was reported by cleaners working in the block containing apartment 5 A that they are often bothered by journalists trying to get access to the apartment, which has always been denied them, the journalists often tried to persuade them or offer money in exchange for access.

5. With regard to the possible sighting of arguido Gerry McCann next to a pink coloured block of apartments at a site opposite the Luz cemetery, we can inform you that this an establishment called ?St James Portuguesa Lda, lots 1 and 2 being situated in the positions mentioned, from the outside the spaces corresponding to Lot 1 can be seen of a total of apartment designated as follows: 101-104, 111-114, 121-124, 105-109, 115-119, 125-129.

- In Lot 2 there are some apartments with T3 typology.

- The buildings in question have 3 pavements, whose access to the different areas is visible from the outside, as they consist of an open perimeter and there are several commercial establishments at ground level.


- In view of the number of buildings and given the scarce information provided it does not seem to us to be viable, immediately, to take measures to prove or disprove the elements provided.

6. As concerns the information provided by F***** J**** with regard to a sighting of the McCanns at a residence called Vila d?Arte, in the Melody Urbanisation in Espiche, during the month of July, it was possible to determine which residence this was and that the building is the permanent residence of some citizens from NL or the UK for the past 4 or 5 years.

- As regards the sighting itself which occurred at 20.30 ? 20.45 on dates that it was not possible to determine more than that this was in July of the current year and that the couple and their two youngest children were transported in small car, that the witness thought to be a dark coloured Citroen C3 or Renault Clio.

- Upon contacting the current inhabitants of the residence it was established that they were Dutch citizens who had made their reservation during the days 24-09-2007 and 29-09-2007 via the portucasa.nl website and who were from Amsterdam.

- The contract was signed through an intermediary from Winkworth who said that the McCanns never had any relationship with the residence in question because it was always let to friends or family members of the Dutch owners.

- The action of the intermediary was informal, there was no register of contracts with the occupants.

- The property is normally rented out, the owners do not live there on a permanent basis.

7. Reference is made that with some of the OC employees an attempt is made to obtain information about any strange movements surrounding the apartment initially occupied by the McCann family and we were told that apart from the journalists, they did not notice anything unusual. However, they would like to clarify that given the endless insistence on the part of these journalists, the employees did not really pay attention to details, neither did they register their identification of physical characteristics, limiting themselves to refusing access to the building and not answering any questions about the events that occurred there.

- Yesterday at 21.16 the Portimao DIC received a phone call from a security officer who worked for the OC to say that a few minutes ago somebody had forced up the shutters of the window of the bedroom Madeleine had disappeared from. The undersigned, together with two of his colleagues went to the scene, where they saw the shutter was hanging obliquely in front of the window and noted that it had been effectively forced open from the outside. However, there were no signs of anyone trying to breach the window.

- These facts were reported by the security guard.

- The guard said that the incident happened between 21.00 and 21.05, when he was making his 21.00 round of the block containing Apartment 5 A and then walked down the die of 5 A, down the road to the Baptista supermarket and then returned up the same road, returning to the surroundings of Apartment 5 A and saw that in that short space of time, someone who he cannot identify as he saw nobody around, had approached the window and forced the shutters. At about 21.06 he alerted reception and the GNR.

- Immediately before he had been talking to a colleague, opposite 5 A and 5 B and neither of them had seen anyone strange, but a few moments earlier they had seen two journalists -?a man and a woman ?near the bar, with logos from a Canadian media channel stuck on their camera.

- Given the scenario, as well as the way the shutter had been raised as well as the limiting factors that other people had already been at the site and there was no guarantee of its preservation, the procedure to examine for fingerprints was not activated by the Portimao DIC.

- Some trips were made to Lagos in order to attempt to identify journalists and TV stations, as well as any other persons suspected, but this activity had negative results. Signed.

2955 to 2959 - Budget rental contract for Scenic, 59-DA-27 rental inspection, list of previous vehicle renters (pages 2957-58) and Apartment 5A renters (page 2959)

Processos Vol XI Pages 2955-2956

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Transfer of Renault Scenic
23-09-2007

Observation: Blocked for return

Pre_Rental Inspection (in English) signed by Cameron and Geraghty

Processos Vol XI Pages 2963 to 2965

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Policia Judiciaria

FAX

Confidential

Very Urgent

To: The German Police Liaison Officer Appointed to the Portuguese Authorities

From: Policia Judiciaria, Portimao DIC

Date: 28-09-2007

Following our telephone conversation I enclose a copy of the rental contract for the Renault Scenic, number plate 59-DA-27, which the person named below used in Portugal during the period between 23 and 26 May 2007.

This is Mr Enawgaw, resident of Wittenberg, driver licence N***** who stayed at the Atlantico Vila hotel in Praia da Rocha, Portimao.

Please confirm:

1. The rental and use of the vehicle and during which period of time this occurred.

2. Clarify the reason for the use of the vehicle and if possible indicate the routes taken and the places where the vehicle was whilst in his possession.

3. If during this period the vehicle was always in his possession, clarifying who else used the car and who travelled in it.

4. Clarify whether he took the car to cemeteries, if he had any contact with cadavers or any other situation that could be related to cadaver odour having been detected in the car.

5. Indicate whether he knows the McCanns and if he had any contact with them or with anyone who knows them.

6. Any other information that could be related to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

With compliments

Signed

The Coordinator of the Criminal Investigation

Dr Goncalo Amaral

See also statement here Processos Vol XII Pages 3274 to 3275

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Witness testimony 3 October 2007 of Fernando Adolfo de Vasconcelos Pereira (secondary school instructor, and prior lessee of Renault Scenic used by
the McCann couple)
Date: 3 October 2007; Time: 15h00; Place: DIC Portimao
Officer: Paulo F., Inspector
To the matter at hand he said:
--- He appears in the case as a witness given that he had in his possession, between 17 May 2007
and 22 May 2007, a vehicle, Renault Scenic, whose licence number he does not recall, that was
rented through the Liberty insurance company as a substitute vehicle for his usual one that had
been involved in an accident. It being that he was shown a copy of the rental contract referring to
the vehicle of that make and model with licence 59-DA-27, which he confirmed as having signed,
through the insurance company.
--- He had collected the vehicle from the AAC premises in Praia da Rocha on 17 May, having
returned it at the premises of the school where he worked, where an employee of the rental
company had gone [to collect it] on 22 May.
--- Asked to clarify his use of the vehicle he states that it was used basically for daily routine trips in
the area around his residence. He was the driver of the vehicle during that time, admitting, though,
that his wife had used it once for the specific purpose of going to the school where he worked.
--- Questioned he states that besides his children, his wife and his/her father, no other person was
conveyed in that vehicle.
--- Also questioned he states that he never transported cadavers, human or any other species, nor
any objects that could have been in contact with cadavers. He states further that during that period
neither he nor other people transported in the vehicle had been in contact with cadavers.
--- Asked he affirms not meeting nor having had any kind of relationship either with the McCanns or
with any other persons with whom they were related/associated.
--- He affirms not having knowledge of any situation happening with the vehicle that could possibly
relate to the fact of cadaver odour having been found in it.
--- The witness was advised of the fact that from this moment he was obligated under judicial
secrecy and to its inherent consequences.
Nothing more was said ...

TRANSLATED BY INES

12_VOLUME_XIIa_Page_3229

12_VOLUME_XIIa_Page_3230

Report of Forensic Examination

Requested by : Portimao DIC

Date 10 August 2007

Examination Initiated on 6 August 2007


REQUEST



The report of the examination of the vehicle, make Renault, model Scenic, of grey metallic colour with number plate 59-DA-27 which is parked in the underground car park, floor 4, Largo 1 de Maio opposite Portimao Municipal Chambers is requested.


OBSERVATIONS AND ANALYSES CARRIED OUT

On 6th August 2007 at about 15.30 a team from the Crime Scene Sector of the Scientific Police, composed of those signed below, upon the request of the PJ Portimao DIC went to an underground car park opposite the Portimao Municipal Chambers with the aim of collecting forensic vestiges from the Renault Scenic vehicle, number plate 59-DA-27.


In accordance with the request officers from Portimao DIC present at the scene the undersigned should proceed to the search and gathering of eventual biological vestiges and fibres from the vehicle in reference.

Those undersigned were also asked to enter into contact with a scientific advisor of English nationality, Jonathan Smith so that he could indicate the manner in which to proceed to gather the stains in question.

This contact informed the undersigned that in a first phase they should proceed to search and gather hairs, followed by fibres and subsequently eventual blood vestiges. During the search for these vestiges and alternating source of light should be used and the Kastle-Mayer test, the eventual blood vestiges should be collected by means of two swabs for each stain, the kind of swabs usually used by teams from this sector, the gathering should be made by the direct application of the swab on the stain and another should be gathered using a second swab moistened with distilled water.


Finally, and after the examination conducted by this team a canine from the British police should be placed inside the vehicle, specialised in detecting human blood vestiges. But he informed that if the animal in question indicated the presence of eventual human blood vestiges inside the vehicle, the components of the areas indicated should be gathered and sent for laboratory analysis.

If, after the presence of the animal inside the vehicle, no eventual blood vestiges were found the chemical product Luminol should be used and if the results continued to be negative, the vehicle should be completely dismantles and analysed piece by piece.


Observation of the outside of the car was initiated, no relevant forensic vestiges being detected for carrying out the examination in reference. The following are photos of the outside of the vehicle and its number plate.

12_VOLUME_XIIa_Page_3235

8A. Head hair collected from the right seat of the luggage area.
9. Head hair collected from the vehicle luggage area.


Also collected from this search:

1D. Nail fragment collected in the floor in front of the driver?s seat.
2E. Nail fragment collected in the floor in front of the driver?s seat.

Subsequently, fibres were collected using plastic stickers appropriate for this type of collection (hairs could also have been collected together with the fibres).



1B. Fibres and possible head hair from the back of the driver?s seat.
1C. Fibres and possible head hair from the bottom of the driver?s seat.
2C. Fibres and possible head hair from the back of the right front passenger's seat.
2D. Fibres and possible head hair from the bottom of the right front passengers seat.
4B. Fibres and possible head hair from the back in the left area of the back seat.
4C. Fibres and possible head hair from the bottom in the left area of the back seat.
5B. Fibres and possible head hair from the back in the middle area of the back seat.
5C. Fibres and possible head hair from the bottom in the middle area of the back seat.
6B. Fibres and possible head hair from the back in the right area of the back seat.
6C. Fibres and possible head hair from the bottom in the right area of the back seat.
7B. Fibres and possible head hair from the back of the left seat in the vehicle luggage area.
7C. Fibres and possible head hair from the bottom in the left area of the back seat.
8B. Fibres and possible head hair from the back of the right seat in the vehicle luggage area.

12_VOLUME_XIIa_Page_3240

12_VOLUME_XIIa_Page_3241

2B. Head hair collected from the floor next to the right front passenger seat.
2C. Fibres and possible head hair from the back of the right front passenger seat.
2D. Fibres and possible head hair from the bottom of the right front passenger seat.
2E. Nail fragment collected in the floor in front of the driver's seat.
3. Head hair collected between the front seats.
4A. Head hair collected from the left area of the back seat.
4B. Fibres and possible head hair from the back in the left area of the back seat.
4C. Fibres and possible head hair from the bottom in the left area of the back seat.
5A. Head hair collected from the middle area of the back seat.
5B. Fibres and possible head hair from the back in the middle area of the back seat.
5C. Fibres and possible head hair from the bottom in the middle area of the back seat.
6A. Head hair collected from the right area of the back seat.
6B. Fibres and possible head hair from the back in the right area of the back seat.
6C. Fibres and possible head hair from the bottom in the right area of the back seat.
7A. Head hair collected from the left seat of the luggage area.
7B. Fibres and possible head hair from the back of the left seat in the vehicle luggage area.
7C. Fibres and possible head hair from the bottom in the left area of the back seat.
8A. Head hair collected from the right seat of the luggage area
8B. Fibres and possible head hair from the back of the right seat in the vehicle luggage area.
8C. Fibres and possible head hair from the bottom of the right seat in the vehicle luggage area.
9. Head hair collected from the vehicle luggage area.
10. Parts of the vehicle luggage area.
11. Fibres and possible head hair in the rear shelf/luggage cover.

Page 3241

12. Vehicle ignition key.
13. Pattern sample of the fabric covering the vehicle seats.

Finally, two swabs were taken from Assistant Specialist Vilhena as well as fibre from his clothes given that he had driven the vehicle to the car park, these have the reference numbers vestiges 14 and 15.

According to the request from Portimao DIC the material referenced from 1 ? 15 was delivered to the FSS laboratories in Birmingham with delivery guide 286/C ? CR/L for subsequent laboratory analysis.

Lisbon 27 September 2007

Signed

Fernando Viegas Um Henriques
Forensics specialists

cr2_108

cr2_109

IV - Interview to GERALD MCCANN's sister PATRICIA CAMERON - to be identified by the Requested Authority. She used the "Renault" vehicle, model "Scenic", number plate 59-DA-27 during the time it was rented to the arguidos (formal suspects). She should be asked the following questions :

(Note : The original text stated :
-------IV - Interview to GERALD MCCANN's sister-in-law SANDY - to be identified by the Requested Authority. She used the "Renault" vehicle, model "Scenic", number plate 59-DA-27 during the time it was rented to the arguidos (formal suspects). She should be asked the following questions :"
I have taken this as a reference error and as ALEXANDER JAMES CAMERON, (SANDY), has been requested to be questioned later in the Letter, I have presumed that the PJ requesting actually meant to refer to PATRICIA in the above request, as she also did attend the Rog Interviews for Interview)-------

* Have you ever driven this vehicle ?

* Who was with you ?

* When and where exactly did you drive to ?

* Do you have anything to report that you would describe as unusual when you drove the vehicle or travelled in it ?

* As far as you know, have the twins ever travelled in the vehicle ?

* Any further questions deemed useful, necessary or pertinent in view of the previous replies.

* Is there any further supplementary explanations that you consider pertinent or relevant to establish the material truth ?

cr2_110

From the Letter of Request:

VI - Interview to the below identified individuals that had rented the Renault Scenic vehicle, number plate 59-DA-27 before GERALD MCCANN :

* JOHN BROWN, 16, HoXXX - GrXXX, MiXXXX - GrXXX BrXXXX MIXXXX, England, as well as MICHAEL WRIGHT, additional driver, at the same address.

Page 110

* ADRIAN ROBERT LOWES, 14 WoXXXXXXX ROXX - Barnard Castle, England, as well as RUTH AMANDA LOWES, additional driver, at the same address.

* KENNETH ARTHUR WALDEN, 37 LOXXXXXXXXXX RoXX, Walton Le Wolds, IEXX 8 XX, England.

* JOHN GRAY PATERSON, ThXXXXXXXX- TIXXXXXXXXXX, PAXX 2XX, England, as well as DR. GEORGE JEREMY THOMPSON, additional driver and holder of the driving licence THOMS30XXXX, issued on February 14th, 2007, in the UK.

* SIMON JOHN HALDER, 43 DE TAXX CoXXX, St Albans, England, as well as RAYMOND SMITH DUNCAN, additional driver and holder of the driving licence SMITH50XXXX, issued on January 24th, 2000, in the UK.

The aforementioned individuals should be asked as follows :

* Do you confirm having rented this vehicle ? Under what circumstances did you rent it ?

* Can you remember the date on which you signed the contract ?

* Are you acquainted with the MCCANN family ? If yes, what sort of relationship do you have with them ?

* Have you ever transported anyone dying or wounded, namely ble*ding ?

* Any further questions deemed useful, necessary or pertinent in view of the previous replies. 

cr4_16

cr4_17

Deposition of: Michael G Wright
Age if less than 18 years:
Occupation: Retired

 _______________________________________
This deposition (comprising 1 page and signed by me) is true and according to my understanding. I testify with the knowledge that, given evidence to the contrary, I will be subject to arrest in the case I have voluntarily testified about something that I know to be false or not to correspond to the truth.



I live at the address previously furnished to the Leicester police and I am currently retired.



In May 2007 I went to Portugal with my wife on a golfing trip known as Wycherts Springs Tour. We were 14 people on a trip organised by Roger Ga.



We were lodged in a house of one of the group members named David Be. and whose address is: Casa xxxxxxxxx, Rua Ricardo Filipe, Quinta das Raposeiras, Bordeira, Santa B?bara de Nexe.



Although the trip was organised by by Roger, it was I who reserved the flights for my wife and for me. Our friend John Brown organised the rental vehicle that we were going to use whilst we were in Portugal.



My wife and I caught the Easyjet flight from Luton to Faro on 8 May 2007. At the Faro airport John was to collect the rental car that he had reserved, on which I was added as additional driver. The car was used basically by me and my wife, by John and his wife. The only other person of the group who travelled in the vehicle during that week was Sra Ra.


I don't remember any detail of the car. I think it was a silver-grey Peugeot, but consulting the Budget rental contract I confirm that it was a Renault. The only memory that I have of the vehicle is that it did not have a key to start the ignition, but some kind of credit card that was inserted into a slot.



The car was returned to Rent-a-Car at the airport on 15 May 2007 at the end of our stay. But no-one other than John Brown and myself drove the vehicle during that week.


I am not known by the McCann family nor have I ever met with any of them.



During the period that I used the vehicle no-one was wounded or had wounds that bled, nor was any cadaver transported nor did anyone die.

This testimony was made by me and is true according to my understanding.

TRANSLATED BY INES

cr4_23

cr4_24

Leicestershire Police Force

Witness Statement

Statement of : Kenneth Walkden


Occupation: Semi Retired

This statement (consisting of 1 page and signed by me) is truthful and in accordance with my understanding. I make my statement conscious that, if proven to the contrary, I would be subject to be charged in the case of knowing anything to be untrue or which does not correspond to the truth.

Date: 29th April 2008

Signature.

I am the person referred to above and resident at the address provided to the police. I was requested to provide information relating to the vehicle that I hired/used during my visit to Portugal in 2007.

In March 2007 I travelled to Portugal for holiday with a group of friends, to play golf. This trip was organised by a friend of mine called P***** S****, including the flight reservations, accommodation, hire car, etc. P**** used a travel agency for this purpose, but I don’t know the name of the agency. These holidays were repeated every year and we were twelve in total; me, P**** S***, DH, MA, RD, CP, AF, KL, KT, JG, GT and RW.

We travelled from Birmingham to Faro on 25 March 2007 and upon our arrival we divided ourselves into groups of three. P**** had arranged all the car rentals, but I don’t remember from which agency. I was one of the designated drivers, I signed the rental contract and paid for the extra insurance with my credit card. The other two reimbursed me in cash. I knew that it was a Renault but I first thought that it was a Megane, however DC Johnson confirmed to me that it was in fact a Scenic. I remember that it was dark coloured, probably blue but I am not 100% certain, I do not remember the number plate and I do not have any paper in my possession relating to the hiring of the vehicle.

I was the only driver of the vehicle and the passengers during the holiday were CP and GT. On the day that we did not play golf, PS also travelled with us. I can confirm that none of the passengers suffered any injury or wound, they did not have any injury neither did they bleed. I can state with all certainty that nobody died in the vehicle.

We returned to the UK on the 1st April 2007 and delivered the vehicle to the rental agency at Faro airport. We caught the plane to Birmingham on the same day.

I am not familiar with any member of the McCann family and neither do I know any of them.

This statement was made by me and is truthful according to my understanding.

cr5_49

cr5_50

Leicestershire Police Force

Witness Statement

Statement from: Duncan Raymond Smith

Occupation: Insurance Agent


This statement (consisting of 2 pages and signed by me) is truthful and in accordance with my understanding. I make my statement conscious that, if proven to the contrary, I would be subject to be charged in the case of knowing anything to be untrue or which does not correspond to the truth.


Date: 30th April 2008

Signature.


For the last twelve years I have travelled to Portugal with a group of friends as member of a golfing group.

Four years ago part of the group acquired a timeshare villa number 742 in Vale de Lobo. This is the first resort on the way from Faro airport. As part of the timeshare agreement we reserved week eleven – the date of which changes from year to year.

From memory, I remember that we were away for St Patricks day – looking at my diary I see that we travelled to Faro on Saturday 10th March 2007 and returned on the following Saturday 17th March 2007.

My friend “Sid” – Simon Halder is the one responsible for all the arrangements and normally reserves the flight tickets as early as possible as well as the hire car. He is so organised that he made a detailed itinerary for our week, so that we all knew what time we had to get up to be ready to play golf and who was going to play against whom.

From memory – I can’t say this exactly, I think that the car that we hired belonged to Budget or Hertz rent a car and was delivered at Faro airport. As far as I recall all the reservations were made directly from the UK and I did not sign any rental car agreement.

I remember that we rented a Renault Scenic, but I am not certain of the colour nor can I confirm the number plate of the vehicle, given that we hired a similar car every year. Sid and I were insured to drive the vehicle, but I don’t like driving abroad and prefer to be a passenger. I think that I must have driven the vehicle once when we were in Portugal. Sid would have been the only other person to drive the vehicle that was rented to our group.

The other members who travelled as passengers were MB, MG, RA and JC.

The vehicle was only used by our group, it was not driven or used by anyone else during the week that it was in our possession. It was mainly used for transport to the golf clubs, restaurants and supermarket. The car was hired to transport us and our belongings, it was our means of transport during our stay.

We never transported anyone seriously injured in the vehicle. During the time we spent playing golf it is possible that that someone could have had a scratch or had a small injury that could have bled or left traces in the car. We would remove our shoes and socks and put on sandals and therefore it is possible that there might have been blood left there, but I don’t remember and visible sign of blood in the rental car.

The holidays were pleasant, the golf was great and the weather was magnificent. We did not go to Praia da Luz, neither have I ever been there. Our villa is very well situated, the resort is safe with its own security system. There no collectors or anyone strange or alarming. We were never victims of theft or loss of personal possessions.

I have never met Kate or Gerry McCann and I am in no way related to them.

This statement was made by me and is truthful according to my understanding.

cr5_51

cr5_52

Leicestershire Police Force

Witness Statement

Statement from: Simon Halder


Occupation: Accountant

This statement (consisting of 2 pages and signed by me) is truthful and in accordance with my understanding. I make my statement conscious that, if proven to the contrary, I would be subject to be charged in the case of knowing anything to be untrue or which does not correspond to the truth.


Date: 30th April 2008

Signature.


Since 1992 I organise a trip with a group of golf playing friends to Portugal every year. In 1994 we acquired a timeshare in Vale de Lobo which guarantees us accommodation every year during week eleven.

In 2007 this was the week of 10 to 17th March. The time share was acquired by means of the Elliot agency.

In 2007 we travelled from Luton airport at 07.00 arriving at Faro at 09.35. Duncan, N, K, M and I all travelled together and M arrived a little later from Gatwick airport.

Upon arrival I went to pick up one of the rental cars, which had been booked through the same travel agency. I paid for the hire in the UK and was given a voucher to hand in at the Budget rental car desk in Portugal.

I do not remember the model of the car that was given to us, nor the number plate. It was usually an F class vehicle, normally an Opel Astra with sufficient room for our luggage and golf clubs.

I went to the car rental desk and went to pick up the car which was parked behind and which had apparently been recently cleaned. I remember having difficulty in getting the engine to start, because the ignition system was different and an explanation from an employee was necessary.

I remember that Duncan Smith and I were covered by the insurance to drive the vehicle, but I would say that i drove the vehicle 95% of the time. The vehicle was used as part of our holidays in Portugal, mainly to transport us from the airport with our luggage but also for transport to the golf club and to restaurants.

The vehicle was never driven or used by anyone other than the members of the group.

As far as I can remember nobody travelled in the vehicle injured or bleeding and we definitely did not transport any deceased person in the vehicle. I had a first aid kit in my golf bag and as far as I can remember it was never necessary to use it to treat an injury or cut.

It is interesting that since I travel to Portugal and hire two cars simultaneously we have never been attributed two vehicles of the same kind – they are always different models and makes. We had two vehicles – one to transport the luggage and golf clubs and another to transport the group, but I can’t remember which vehicle was used for what.

I would say that the vehicle I drove was a grey estate car.

The vehicle would be parked next to the villa at night, it was a safe resort with frequent security patrols and I am certain that if a stranger had tried to approach it he would have been stopped by the security personnel.

The trip to the resort took 20 minutes by car, approximately 25 km. We did not go to Praia da Luz and I do not know where it is. I have never met the McCann family or had any kind of family links with them.

All the time spent in Portugal was pleasant, nothing unusual happened and we were never approached by collectors or strangers.

I would like to add that the others called me “Syd” given that this is how I am known by friends and family.

This statement was made by me and is truthful according to my understanding.

cr5_53

cr5_54

Leicestershire Police Force

Witness Statement

Statement from: Thomson, George Jeremy


Occupation: Retired

This statement (consisting of 2 pages and signed by me) is truthful and in accordance with my understanding. I make my statement conscious that, if proven to the contrary, I would be subject to be charged in the case of knowing anything to be untrue or which does not correspond to the truth.


Date: 29th April 2008

Signature.

I am the person referred to above and resident at the address previously provided to the police.

For the last thirteen or fourteen years my wife and I would leave during the month of March for golfing holidays.

We travelled from Glasgow airport to Faro on 18th March 2007. The trip had been organised by our friends, D**** D***. He also made the reservation for a hire car from Faro airport, by means of an agency called Super Travel.

I had had some alcoholic drinks on the plane and my friend John Gray Paterson drove the hire car. I do not remember the car we rented, neither the colour or model of the car.

We stayed for a week at the Pine Cliffs Hotel before returning home (from Faro to Glasgow) on the day of my birthday, 25th March. During the holiday week Gray and I took turns in driving. Our trips were of a purely social nature, perhaps a drive to have lunch or within the hotel resort. The vehicle was rarely used.

The car was returned to the rental agency at the airport on 25th March 2007.

I have never personally met the McCann family (Gerald or Kate McCann) and have only heard about them from the media when their daughter Madeleine disappeared.

During the time that we were in possession of the vehicle none of us used it whilst injured. I can testify that in accordance to my knowledge none of the users of the vehicle injured themselves during the holidays.

This statement was made by me and is truthful according to my knowledge.

cr5_55

cr5_56

Leicestershire Police Force

Witness Statement

Statement from: Paterson, John Gray


Occupation: Retired

This statement (consisting of 2 pages and signed by me) is truthful and in accordance with my understanding. I make my statement conscious that, if proven to the contrary, I would be subject to be charged in the case of knowing anything to be untrue or which does not correspond to the truth.


Date: 29th April 2008

Signature.

I am the person referred to above and resident at the address previously provided to the police.

For the last thirteen or fourteen years I was part of a group of couples who would visit Portugal every year during the month of March for golfing holidays.

On Sunday, 18th May our group travelled to Portugal via Glasgow to Faro airport.

As part of the holiday package, our friend D*** D*** reserved hire cars for use during the week. I and my friend Jeremy Thomson and our respective wives picked up the hire car at Faro airport.

I do not recall much about this vehicle in particular but think it was a Renault Scenic. I am not able to state what colour it was or what the number plate was.

I was one of two names authorised to drive the vehicle and Jeremy was the additional driver. I think that we rented the car by means of the Budget Rental agency but am not 100% sure.

The Renault was used exclusively by me, Jeremy and both our wives. We used it during the day to go to the golf courses and to Alvor on one of the days that I did not play.

We did not use the car at night given that we were staying at the Pine Cliffs Sheraton hotel.

We never went to Praia da Luz.

I was asked whether I am related to the McCann family.

I know of the problems they had in Portugal, but I do not know them personally nor have I ever had any contact with the family.

I can state that whilst we were in possession of the vehicle nobody cut or injured themselves. We did not transport anyone who was dying or bleeding within the car.

I returned the car at Faro airport after our weeks holiday on 25th March 2007. I handed the keys to the Budget desk employee.
This statement was made by me and is truthful according to my understanding.

cr5_57

cr5_58

Leicestershire Police Force

Witness Statement


Statement from: Amanda Ruth Lowes

Occupation: Administrative Staff

Date: 6th May 2008


Signature.

I am the person referred to above and resident at the address previously provided to the police.

At the beginning of April 2007 I travelled to Portugal for holiday with my family. My family group include my husband A*** and our children B**** who was then 14, J** who was 11 and R*** who was seven. We travelled with family friends, S*** and L*** G*** and their children R*** and R***. We also shared a villa with another couple of friends, D*** and M*** O*** and their son M***. We travelled from Bradford/Leeds airport directly to Faro where we hired a car. I don’t remember which rent a car agency it was but referring to the photos taken during the holidays I can state that the vehicle was a Renault Scenic, grey coloured and with number plate 59-DA-27. I remember that the rental agency changed our car so that we could have a seven seater vehicle.

Both my husband and I were authorised to drive the car. We went to Tomar where we stayed at the house of some friends. We stayed for a few days and used the car frequently to visit the surrounding areas. As I have said, both my husband and I shared the driving. As far as I can remember, except for S**** on one occasion the G**** family did not travel in our car, as they had rented a mini white Mercedes. I think the O*** family travelled in another hire car.

Our holidays lasted for 10 days. According to the records I have checked we arrived on the 2nd April and returned on 13th April 2007. We spent the last days of the holiday at the Sao Rafael hotel in the Algarve.

DC Ferguson and DC Messiah asked the following questions to which I responded as follows:

I confirm that I rented the Renault Scenic with number plate 59-DA-27 for use during the holiday. Records show that we rented the car on 2nd April 2007. I collected the vehicle from rent a car. I do not know and have never met the McCann family. I never transported anyone who was dying or bleeding in the car. It is possible that we may have transported raw meat for a barbecue.

I have no other information to add.

This statement was made by me and is truthful according to my understanding.

cr5_59

cr5_60

Leicestershire Police Force

Witness Statement

Statement from : Adrian Robert Lowes

Occupation: Director


This statement (consisting of 2 pages and signed by me) is truthful and in accordance with my understanding. I make my statement conscious that, if proven to the contrary, I would be subject to be charged in the case of knowing anything to be untrue or which does not correspond to the truth.


Date: 6th May 2008

Signature.

I am the person referred to above and resident at the address previously provided to the police.

At the beginning of April 2007 I travelled to Portugal for holiday with my family. My family group is composed of my wife Amanda and our children B who would have been 14 at the time, J aged 11 and R who was seven. We travelled with family friends S and L G**** and their children R and R. We also shared a villa with friends D and M O**** and their son M. We travelled from Bradford/Leeds airport directly to Faro where we hired a vehicle. I do not remember the rent a car agency but from photos taken during the holiday, I can state that it was a Renault Scenic, grey coloured with number plate 59-DA-27.

Both I and my wife were authorised to drive the vehicle. We went to Tomar where we stayed at a friend’s house. We stayed there for a few days and frequently used the car to visit the surrounding areas. As I have already said both my wife and I shared the driving. As far as i can remember, apart from S on one occasion, the G**** family did not travel in our car, given that they had hired a white Mercedes. I think that the O*** travelled in another hire car.


Our holidays had a duration of 10 days. According to the records I checked I think that we arrived on 2nd April and returned on 13th April 2007. We spent the last days of the holiday in a hotel in Sao Rafael in the Algarve.

DC Ferguson and DC Messiah asked me the following questions to which I replied as follows:

I confirm that I rented the Renault Scenic with number plate 59-DA-27 for use during the holidays. Records indicate that we hired the vehicle on 2nd April 2007. My wife picked up the rental car. I do not know nor have I met the McCann family. I never transported anyone who was dying or bleeding in the car. It is possible that we transported raw meat for a barbecue.
I have no information to add.

This statement was made by me and is truthful according to my understanding.

cr5_61

cr5_62

cr5_63

Leicestershire Police Force

Witness Statement

Statement from : John Sands Brown

Occupation: Solicitor


This statement (consisting of 2 pages and signed by me) is truthful and in accordance with my understanding. I make my statement conscious that, if proven to the contrary, I would be subject to be charged in the case of knowing anything to be untrue or which does not correspond to the truth.


Date: 24th April 2008

Signature.


I am the person referred to above and I travelled to Portugal for holiday with my wife and some friends.

The group was composed of my wife B**** and I and two other couples named N and J R***** and Michael and Susan Wight.

We landed at Faro airport and picked up a hire car. I am referring to the hire contract in order to provide details in this statement. I previously provided a copy of this document to the police and have already made two statements in relation to this matter.

I can confirm that the car we hired was a Renault Grand Scenic with number plate 59-DA-27, I believe it was grey. The hire contract was signed by me in Faro airport on 8th may 2007. We stayed in the Bordeira region in the Algarve and during that week the car was used by our group in order to travel in the area, visiting golf courses and other holiday activities. Nobody except the persons mentioned travelled in the car during the week that it was in our possession. The vehicle was driven only by Michael Wright and by myself.

During this week no injured or dying persons were transported.

The same group returned to the UK on 15th May 2007. We returned the car to the airport before flying back home.

I have seen Gerry and Kate McCann on television on various occasions since the disappearance of Madeleine. I can confirm that I have never known them personally and that I am not related to them in any way. Whilst in Portugal I did not know anyone who had any type of family or friendship link with them.


This statement was made by me and is truthful according to my understanding.