McCanns expect three-month ban extension on files

KATE and Gerry McCann expect the Portuguese police files on the disappearance of their daughter, Madeleine, to remain secret for another three months, the couple’s spokesman said yesterday.

It is eight months since detectives named Robert Murat, 33, an official suspect in the case and his lawyer said that he would like that status to be lifted today. However, Clarence Mitchell, the McCanns’ spokesman, said: “I cannot tell you hand on heart that they [Portuguese officers] have had the extension approved, but we are 103% certain that they will get it. We are working on the basis that we have another three months of official secrecy.”

Portuguese law prevents Mr and Ms McCann, both 39, and from Rothley, Leicestershire, from speaking about police investigations into the disappearance of four-year-old Madeleine. She vanished from the family’s holiday apartment in the resort of Praia da Luz on May 3.

On Friday, Portuguese detectives asked for the case’s secrecy limit to be extended beyond the usual eight months once police have identified a formal suspect, in this case Mr Murat.

Meanwhile, Loaded magazine has defended its decision to include Ms McCann on a list of pin-ups. In the February issue, she features alongside female stars under the heading: “Is it just us? Unlikely ladies that float our boat.” She is pictured clutching her daughter’s cuddly toy in Praia da Luz, Portugal.

Below the picture it reads: “Sensitive one, this, but there’s nothing more erotic to some than a pained woman in need of some good lovin’.”

The column was written by editor Martin Daubney who yesterday defended his comments: “Kate McCann is attractive and I stand by that. Thousands of men would happily agree Mrs McCann is attractive. We were simply vocalising that sentiment.”