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[This edited version of the report has been prepared by Dr Robert N Moles]

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Settlement of defamation action: this is the report of the settlement of the defamation action concerning the McCann family in respect of publications which have cast aspersions upon their inegrity

On 23 September 2007 Sam Greenhill, Paul Harris and Dan Newling of the Sunday Herald Sun reported “McCanns tell story of Madeleine's disappearance”.

They said that the first full account of Madeleine McCann's final day emerged yesterday as her parents said they believed their daughter had been "stolen to order".

Gerry and Kate McCann believe the kidnapper was hiding close by as Mr McCann checked his children in their bedroom. Mr McCann believes the predator may have entered the Portuguese holiday villa through patio doors more than an hour before the alarm was raised, leaving a bedroom door ajar. When Mr McCann arrived at the apartment, the abductor could have been in either the bathroom or the McCanns' bedroom. He could then have escaped with four-year-old Madeleine through a window.

Police have questioned how a kidnapper would have known when the apartment was empty. But the McCanns, both suspects in the case, are convinced their daughter was snatched to order after being watched for days. The McCanns' theory emerged for the first time yesterday as the investigation into her disappearance reached its 141st day. A family friend said: "Gerry is firmly of the view that the abductor was hiding in the apartment when he went to check on Madeleine. He believes there was certainly something odd. When Gerry leaves, the man realises he has only a few minutes. He thinks the only way to get out without being seen is through the window." The McCanns, both 39, were dining with friends only metres from their apartment in Praia da Luz when Mr McCann checked on the children on the night of May 3.

He entered the apartment at 9.05pm and saw Madeleine asleep in her bed. But the door to the bedroom was open. Although Mr McCann thought nothing of it at the time, he is now sure he had shut it earlier. Friends of the McCanns broke their silence to fill in the "missing six hours" at the centre of police claims that the couple were involved in Madeleine's disappearance. Their account filled the gap between 2.29pm - when Madeleine was pictured by a swimming pool with her father - and 8.30pm, when Kate McCann joined friends for dinner at the holiday complex. The McCanns have been prevented from talking themselves.

Detectives are convinced the couple were involved in their daughter's disappearance and death and are seeking to prove that the missing hours were used to hide Madeleine's body.

Friends said the family had enjoyed a leisurely day, rising at 9.15am for breakfast. The youngsters were put in the resort's kids club until their parents collected them at 12.30pm for lunch at the apartment. In the afternoon, the McCanns played tennis while Madeleine went back to the creche after being photographed at the pool. "There are records for that, written records and witnesses," said a friend. "Madeleine was there while Kate and Gerry played tennis with the tennis professional and other witnesses. "Madeleine had high tea at 5.30pm with staff at the kids club. She was picked up shortly before 6pm by Kate and Gerry. After that, Kate and Gerry went home, got the kids ready for bed and went out for dinner."

The friend insisted: "Kate was never alone with Madeleine that afternoon. There were always other witnesses present." The new account contradicts reports from staff at a restaurant in Praia da Luz who said they were "certain" Madeleine had eaten her last meal there.

Source: 23 September 2007 Sam Greenhill, Paul Harris and Dan Newling Sunday Herald Sun “McCanns tell story of Madeleine's disappearance”.

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