Whatever happened to 'innocent until proven guilty'?

I applaud Richard Branson for being bold enough to offer public support despite the slurs that have appeared in the media against the McCanns.

I for one don't know if they are guilty or not. I wasn't there, I'm not a forensic scientist and apart from regularly reading the news, I can't say either way. My gut instinct though tells me that they are innocent. In any event, the police should have picked up the link with the disappearance of Joana Cipriano.

Janet Reilly, Shepton Mallet, Somerset

Thank god for people like Richard Branson and the Archbishop of York - human kindness! What a rare commodity these days. May they reap what they sow - and may others too

Susan Shaw, Malton, England

I like to think Sir Richard made this offer out of genuine compassion. However I would have greater respect for him if he had made it an anonymous gift so as not to leave himself open to the accusation of cashing on on a missing child.

He reputation for flaunting the Branson name whenever, wherever is legendary.

I cannot hekp but think he would have been wiser to wait and see what charges, if any, are laid upon the McCanns.

David Grant, Belfast,

there are other people that have gone missing our daughter left our family home over a year ago I have had to stay out of work for seven months to receive legal aid to fund legal costs my wife has know become unwell and I have to look after her I have a new job to start next week, and I am Know worried if I should take it or not. I am in court for the repposession of my house which I will lose if I dont start work and also if I go back to work will I be able to fund the court costs again. I am receving minimal support from my family and the depertment of work and pensions will not contribute anything as my contribution based jobseekers allowance stopped on the 29th of august. There are also other families out there whose children have gone missing and where is the help and support for them who are in far worse circumstances than a doctor and a surgeon i.e the mcanns. I bet they are kicking themselves for leaving the children in a room on there own.

david pacey, cleethorpes, england

I have also followed the case from day one and without knowing exactly what evidence the police have, I cannot comment on whether the McCann's are guilty or innocent. I do know, however, that DNA experts know the difference between transfer DNA and DNA from a dead body, and I would hope they have Madeleine's DNA (from a hairbrush, toothbrush, or whatever) for comparison, not that of her parents, brother or sister. Also, sniffer dogs are trained not to get excited over other smells, except those they are trained to detect.

Denise, Washington, DC, USA

Now I really will never believe polls. It appears most of the people (nearly 80%!) are the types who could actually think the Mccanns could have pulled this off - given ALL information out there. Depressing.

some facts:
1) Mcanns had no car at the time of her death? Did they borrow one to dispose of her body?? As if we wouldn't know that. . .
2) They went to dinner and showed NO unusual behaviour. Jack the Ripper couldn't have pulled that off.
3) They have insisted on being in the spotlight since her death!
4) THis witch hunt is based on irritated dogs and DNA (not blood) that is likely that of her siblings who often have similar DNA
etc., etc.. . .

jackie, boston, ma, usa

The McCanns should contact campaiging father, of Stuart Lubbock, Terry Lubbock & find out how he has managed his PR on a shoestring budget. There are also a great deal of similarities in both the Lubbock case & the McCanns.

Barry, Harlow, Essex

If you have followed the case from day one (I really have),
it becomes evident that the Mccanns could not have killed
their daughter, hidden the body for three weeks (obviously in a deepfreezer) and then used the rental car to dispose of the body without being seen. They were never on their own.

This car was used for moving all their belongings from the
hotel to the house they rented for the rest of their stay. That
means all the belongings of Madeleine as well - her
clothes, combs, toothbrush etc. as well. I take it that the hair found belong to a living Madeleine.

Madeleine shares DNA with her parents and siblings. It seems natural that her mother/ father would use sleeping-pills or sedatives during this terrible ordeal, and that traces of this could be found . And dogs can get excited by other smells
than that of a dead body, they are not robots

There are so many loose ends in this case, please concentrate on them.

A supporter of the McCann family

LSH, Oslo , Norway

thank you richard, you're always the guy people in trouble can turn to. God the bless the McCanns and their lovely daughter

Buffalo, Shanghai, China

There is one way that the sedative theory can be tested. Traces of any sedatives allegedly used by the McCanns would be present in the hair of the twins.

If I were the McCanns, and they wanted to prove their innocence concerning this allegation, they should instigate their own forensic tests on the twins hair.

wombat, Stirling, Scotland

We live in a world full of wrongdoing. But who could be so cynical as to believe that these parents might kill their little daughter and then hide the evidence (even if the death was accidental)? I applaud Sir Richard Branson for fearlessly following his intuition, even if it is contrary to public opinion.

Justice and vindication for the McCanns!

Ben Nicholson, Redhill, UK

Branson does have nose for the real situation.

The real situation seems to be:

1. Someone in the Portugeuse press decides it might sell more papers if they put a twist on the story and start hinting the McCanns might be suspects. With no other concrete facts this is taken up and a#amplified in the normal gutter media way.

2. The Portugeuse police who have looked inept from the beginning and feeling now Madeliene will never be found decide they can go down this road too and thus regain credibility with no chance of being proven wrong (by a live little girl turning up later). So they go for the McCanns.

I am glad Sir Richard has taken this inititative - this is what rich men should really do.

I am also so happy to now be able to contribute a little to fight this sort of state sponsored harrassement and some parts of the press who don't give a dam if they ruin people's lives so long as they sell a bit more copy.

Clive Whittaker, East Grinstead, United Kingdom

This is such a shame. If the McCanns had been forced to sell their homes, it would have highlighted the unfortunate and growing problems of gaining Legal Aid access. If, good honest people are targeted by the police, it is extremely hard to clear their names without solid legal advice. The Legal Aid system is now so tight, unless the person lives in poverty they will almost certainly lose their house, even if found innocent.
What you have to remember is : the police do not care if the person is inoocent (that is not their job). Their job is to amass enough evidence for a prosecution with a likelihood of success. They will keep pushing, making insuations, until enough evidence is in their hands.
I hope for the sake of society as a whole, this fund fails. Of course, most people don't care about Legal Aid as only a tiny minority of good people ever are wrongly targeted by the police. But when they are, they need are help.

Iain, Bristol, UK

Easy come, easy go.

P.Robinson, Northants, UK

Why hasnt a reward been offered for the return of Madeleine? the only true victim in all of this is the poor little girl- what of the other suspect Robert Murat-no evidence has been brought against him-but you dont hear of anyone raising funds to clear his name!

SJ, neston , wirral

Hear-hear, Mr Branson. Finally, someone with some sense amidst the madness of this case. Shocking how so much (in the way of conjecture) has leaked from a country where supposedly no-one speaks about investigations. And as for the YouGov poll? Don't get me started on that one...

Anne, Longstanton, UK

No doubt whatsoever of their innocence. Anyone who has any logic will join me in my opinion. They are devoted parents, anyone can see so. Everyone should be united in supporting them in this country. It is hard enough losing a child, not to mention being ridiculously accused of being involved.

J Coward, Hinckley,

Why are the McCanns spending money on PR, not on hiring experts to find their daughter, if they have nothing to hide? Or will the truth be too inconvenient if more is dug up?

P Stewart, Kent, UK

What a great guy.

Margaret, London, UK

what are the Portuguese police trying to do what with all the so called leakes is this to cover there own dreadful mistakes i say not guilty

carol bottomley, halifax, yorkshire

these people are inocent

caroline, ginestas, france

I don't know but maybe he also helped O.J.Simpson, Michael Jackson and some more angels ...

J.Baptista, Oporto, Portugal

Have the McCann's volunteered to take a polygraph test? If I were innocent of this crime, I would have taken one immediately. An experienced polygraph examiner has an extremely high rate of accuracy...usually very close to 100% accuracy.

Sarah, K.C., USA

I do not care a damn if the McCanns killed their daughter or not. There are many thing in this world that are of real importance. For example my cat. She is getting old and I worry about her. A perspective is very much called for in all things and quite frankly I'm sick of seeing the McCanns name every time I open a paper.
Now about my cat.................!

Kenneth Wheatley, St Pée sur Nivelle, France

Richard B. must take some profit from this too

Luis Pires, Lisbon, Portugal

I don't think I have ever witnessed such disgusting media coverage of this desperate case. Talk about trial by media. These journalists are nothing more than parasites, living off the grief of this poor family. Surely this family is suffering enough. Leave them alone. People are so very cruel. Gerry and Kate, plus their families must be going through absolute hell. I pray that people recognise that these two are innocent. The baying public, particuarly in Portugal, booing this poor lady should be ashamed, truly ashamed. God bless them for their courage and dignity at this truly black time. Scientific evidence...remember Sally Clarke hounded , eventually dying of a broken heart. Don't let this happen again. This family need kindness and support.

ROwen, Shropshire, England

so much for showing off ! ... this affair is turn very partial !

alan brown, london, UK

Folks out in etherland. Let's focus on finding Madeleine instead of speculating on the McCanns. If you had not noticed, the McCanns are decent, well accomplished people, and that should be respected. As well as their privicy. So, you all go and help the McCanns find their daughter.

karl Rudolf, Houston, Texas

Thank you, Sir Richard Branson. I have always travelled Virgin and I always will. I find the results of the YouGov Poll for the Sunday times unfathomable. Everybody I speak to in Australia believes the McCanns to be innocent and the victims of a set-up. Polls never seem to represent what people are really thinking and saying so they are meaningless as far as I'm concerned. I'm sure Gerry and Kate McCann have far more to occupy themselves with than what a lot of strangers think of them. How anybody could not support them or believe in their innocence is beyond me.

Name Withheld, Sydney, Australia

I think it is DISGUSTING. Could he not think of a better way of throwing his money away?

Some people will do anything for media attention and that is clearly him. If Madeline's parents are not guilty, then why would they need help with there legal costs, come on they are both doctors who can clearly afford such legal expenses.

Children are starving in third world countries and Mr Branston decides that this is a more noble cause.

Wake up Branston, trying to hit the headlines is not always good. I certainly have lost all respect for the man!

Sangeeta, london, uk

Hats off to Sir Richard Branson. The Mc Canns have been to hell and back with their daughters disappearance and my heart goes out to them. This case has been handled dismally and the truth will out.

Jeanette, London, UK

Let's be done with it and have Branson for PM. He is the only person worthy of any respect in this country.

simon kyte, 7oaks, kent

I think it is absolutely diabolical that your news paper should have a poll conducted by YouGov to determine what percentage of the respondents believe the McCanns to be completely innocent. They are innocent and unless and until a Court of Law states otherwise they remain innocent. They certainly dont need the likes of your bloody paper to ask the public what they think.

Stanley Green, Colchester, UK

Nice one Richard. I have no doubts whatsoever about the McCanns innocence and will definitely contribute to your fund (that is if I can access my savings at Northern Rock and I'm not joking).

Charlie , London, UK

I wanted to thank the Times for the only independent unbiased view of the McCann's story.

Rita Pal , Midlands, UK

Surely all this media activity must result in the death
of Madeleine. If somebody is nuts enough to take the child in the first and with the thought of being caught
get rid of her. I think the parents have made a big mistake.

Barry Holmes, Christchurch, New Zealand

I am fully on the McCanns' corner. The Portuguese police argument that Mrs. McCann accidentally killed her daughter and then, upon discovering that the Madeleine was dead, ipso facto devised the most elaborate conspiracy to hide the body, alert everyone, and mount a monumental publicity campaign world wide, is totally preposterous.
A more logical explanation is that Madeleine was truly kidnapped and that the local police bungled the search. Add to that the amazing fact that Portugal does not have anti-pedophilia legislation and we have a PR need to inculpate the parents to save nacional face.
The DNA evidence, that the media has publicized so much, is in this case (I am positive because I am a chemist) terminally compromised by contamination, sloppy collection, and deficient chain of custody.
I can't believe that this couple, after having lost a child, are being crucified by so many. This shows that we humans are richer in morbosity that in compasion.

Andrea, New York, NY, United States

That's the spirit, truly Virgin-esque! Going all the way together, no matter what it takes. Makes me happy to read that some who cán afford it, keep stretching out their hands to help and stand by this family.

dutch, hilversum, nl

Richard Branson is a good humanitarian man. Where is the fighting fund going to be on the web? I will donate.

roger Kingston, york,

I failed to understand one thing. In a year, surely more than one child goes missing particularly when people go on holidays, then why is this much of publicity for Maddy alone??. Please be advised that I am not against the child or the family but curious to know about this.

When Damilola Taylor was killed in an most inhumane, I dont see this much of support either financially or emotionally to that family. When Sarah Payne disappeared there wasnt this much of high profile campagin, why maddy is so special?.

Will the same people will support another child if it goes missing like this?. Maddy was missing because of the carelessness of their parents and nothing else.

Srini, Herndon/Virginia, Unitedstates

Let's assume for a fantasy moment the Portuguese police are right in their ludicrious suspicions - just how on earth were Gerry and Kate supposed to have killed Madeleine and then hidden her body - somewhere between 9 and 10pm?! And what of the evidence in the hire car used to move all their children's belongings from one flat to another - of course minute DNA traces of Madeleine would be found there. The reality surely is that they only ever became suspects not because the police had conclusive evidence that they were involved, but that the police had hit a dead end and wanted to turn the heat on the McCanns to see if they would break down and confess. A crude and cruel tactic, which should not wash with the British public and will not stand up in court. Keep up the search for Madeleine, and God bless the McCanns.

Paul Nicholson, London, UK

Who would help the little people !!!!

Burton, Leeds,

There was me thinking that someone would come forward with a genuine offer of help to eventually secure justice. What a very strange world we live in. Branson's £100,000's worth of cheap publicity is, I think, not a worthy offer from a Knight of the Realm.

R. P. Dixon, London,

Under UK and European law, one is innocent until proven guilty by a jury of ones peers. The media should be ashamed of the way that thay are treating this trajic story. Running polls of a public which is uninformed and which generally condemns out of hand.
The McCanns are innocent until and unless a court of law finds otherwise. They welcome the opportunity to ridicule the prosecution case (should there be one).
Is Sir Richard's the only sane voice out there?

John Barnfather, Soudan, France

Good for Richard Branson. He's a good guy.

cath, london,

Doesn't Mr(Virgin) Branson has better things to do then claim publicity by donating money to a high profile, media interested case.

Vikram Aarella, Cardiff, Wales

There is no doubt in my mind that Kate and Jerry are 100% innocent, the Portuguese Authorities seem desperate for an ending at any cost, shame on them, do they have no compassion? Thankyou Sir Richard Branson for your huge donation, you are an incredible human being.

Beverley Richards, Malvern, Worcestershire

If Mrs McCann, or her husband, are entirely innocent, then Branson has done a good thing. One Hundred thousand is pocket money for him.
There must be others that deserve similar financial help, but they get no publicity, or help, at all.
What would Branson say if the McCanns are not innocent?

P.Robinson, Northants, UK

Thank you very much Mr Branson. You are a human being, a concept I have forgotten. Nuria

Nuria Diez, León, Spain

Mr Branson´s support is fantastic. The McCanns need good legal help.

We live in the Algarve and have lost a court case in Portimao a few years ago. Instead of being awarded substantial compensation we ended up with legal fees of approx. 20.000 Euros.
Our lawyer and also other lawyers from abroad were astounded.

Ch. Neerong, Portimao, Portugal

Its a shame the one thing the Mccann's thought would help them find there daughter is now working against them, the media. Because the McCann's decided on keeping the media spotlight on there missing daughter all it has done is highlight how inadequate the portuguese police are. From the very hour madeliene was reported as missing the police have failed her. Richard Bransons fund should not be used to clear the McCann's name but instead to pay for private investigators to find madeleine as it seems the portugeuse police are no further to finding her and are now clutching at the last straws avaialable to them to try and save face.

David, Bournemoth, England

Real journalists should dedicate their attention to understanding what are the links between the mcCanns and powerful politicians. There are many missing children in the world - why did this particular case become so important? Who are the people behind this enormous campaign? Hiring the lawyer of Pinochet? Running away from Portugal as soon as they become official suspects? Something is terribly wrong in this whole business and there should be at least two parties completely objective and neutral: the Justice, and the Press. We, as readers, PAY to find the truth, objective and neutral. Any newspaper that steers away from the Truth to serve whatever interests, will be punished, sooner or later, by the severe hammer or shame.

Ricardo Sousa, Lausanne, Switzerland

Whatever the outcome, now that this has become so public I think it is very important that the McCanns have access to decent representation in any criminal proceedings against them, which is why I welcome Branson's gift - although were I him I would want to specify that it would be used only for legal fees, not in yet another media campaign aimed at clearing their names.

Whatever the rights and wrongs, I am sick of the claims and cross-claims flying around. I would like to see all sides keeping a lot quieter and concentrate on looking for Madeline (or her body) and getting their ducks in a row for any legal proceedings.

MP , London,

I find the fickleness of the British public led by a media intent on sensationalising every aspect as thoroughly distasteful. I am not surprised at the public reaction as there is a strong sense of envy bordering on jealousy amongst the masses because Kate and Jerry McCann have garnered so much publicity. I would do exactly the same as them in the same circumstances to find my missing child. Who pray would not?
I am afraid the so called Great British public are no longer great just a rabble chasing the scent of blood led by the media as the Master of Hounds.
What happened to innocent until proven guilty and what about Madeleine?

Richard Kenward, Helsingborg,

to the police: would it be possible to train dolphins or sharks in order to find human corpses on the bottom of the sea?

Ignacio, San Sebastian, Spain

"According to Portuguese press reports, British detectives will also reinterview Kate on behalf of Portuguese police"
British detectives should reinterview the whole group. I don't think anyone can interview persons fairly with a translater in between. The British police should have co-handled this from the very beginning because of the language problems. Or the Portuguese Police should be trained better in fluent English. As to Sir Richard, I think he is a truly noble man.

Dany, Munich,

It is a sad feature of modern media driven life that justice is being linked with a PR fund and polls on whether the public believe people are murderers. There is a time, a place and carefully designed procedures to ensure that cases are heard fairly. Giving such weight to people's opinion and speculation removes all safeguards and ultimately publishes 'facts' which have no basis in evidence and fact. If there is a miscarriage of justice, there is a chance of appeal. Yet if a high profile, billionaire backed, slick PR media relations operation is wrongly asserting innocence, there is no counter balance. Which does not serve the interest of Madeline, the only person definitely wronged, and possibly in desperate need of help.
It is also worth considering how the Mcann's being articulate, educated people who look respectable on television has affected their ability to raise such funds. Is it a fact that if a person is unable to speak well in public, they are to be less worthy?

David Artley, Stockton-on-Tees, UK

I am so pleased that someone like Richard Branson has at last come to their aid. I think the government are disgusting in their lack of intervention and it's time the people of Britain rose up and showed the McCanns our support.

Val Dray, Brighton, United Kingdom

Here we go with Branson and his PR machine again last time he used it to help help save the career of photographed cocaine user Kate Moss and now he is interfering in bringing justice for Madelaine.
We are going to be subjected to millions of pounds of PR now making us believe what "great parents" the McCanns are.
Well his millions will have a lot of work to do to dissuade the 80% of people who think the McCanns are guilty of some degree of involvement in this strange case as reported in this poll.
Branson seems to use these cases to give his own name and ego the constant press exposure he seems to need.
Well I wont be using any Branson related products as I am not footing the McCanns PR and legal bills. Because I think something fishy is possibly going on.

Jensom, London, UK

I am sure if you did the same polls again this week now that half of what was reported re the DNA finding in the media last week has been discredited, you would get very different results. Good on you, Mr Branson.

Yazzle Bee, Sydney/London, Australia/UK

After their display of incompetence in the early part of
this investigation, how can we take the latest antics of the Portugese police seriously: with these latest allegations.
I know the press need a new angle to keep this
story going, but before we condemn the McCanns,
let's remember the facts, which we are all familliar with, behind these latest bizarre allegations.

J Mckay, Wellington,

"The McCanns announced that they will be spending £80,000 on an advertising campaign in Spain and Portugal appealing for information on Madeleine"

Good grief.

joaniejots, birmingham,

What a pity all this money isnt put to more needy causes perhaps to other missing children whose parents havnt the assets of the McCannes

Mrs Marian Oakley, Abbeyfeale Limerick, Rep. of Ireland

Good on you Richard - I am convinced that they are innocent and feel pleased that you are able to help them out - all power to you - must make sure I fly virgin now that you have annouced plans in NZ to fly

Mark Copsey, Wellington, New Zealand

My heart goes out to this couple, as it would to any parent who's child had gone missing. However, one thing still wrankles with me as it does with lots, would all this help such as been given by Branson, would it have been available for a single chav mother in the same circumstances? I think we all know the answer to this.

W Elliott, Leeds, West Yorks

So Kate McCann admitted in her diary that she felt motherhood was hard. Is she really guilty for being honest?
Many parents find parenthood hard going, it doesn't mean that we are going to harm our children.
I just hope that the people that think she is guilty,don't find themselves in the same situation.

Paul Mcgoochan, Bury St Edmunds, England

However it turns out, those two people are tortured souls who need emapthy, not condemnation.

David Masu, Zürich,

Mr. Bramson is admired by many people. How could he front this money, knowing the most important aspect of the accusation against the McCanns came from British police dogs and a British forensics lab? What nonsense. While feeling sorry for the parents of baby Madeline, justice shoild be served.
If justice is only for the rich, who are we as a society?

Margie Wallace, Mesquite, NV

One would think there are millions of more deserving causes that Branson could donate his money to. The McCanns are both very high earning professionals who should be able to pay their own legal expenses. There are thousands of other missing children whose parents would give anything for a tiny fraction of the money and publicity given to this couple. They don't deserve any more and it is time to move on.

Lulu, Macclesfield, Cheshire,

We have been reading this website for updates as well as on Bring Madeline Home, despite the fact we live in San Francisco.My two daughters and husband are sick to death over this happening to anyone. Last night at the market, my youngest daughter asked me if she was dead after looking at the cover of People Magazine. I told her that with all of our hearts we should pray that she is not, but if she is that the people that did that to you be caught and given justice.

Even in Portugal, evidence is what counts, not decisions based on public demand for a solved case. It sounds as if the Policia could be buckling under that pressure from the powers that be. I hope the McCann family did not do this, and we should support them until the EVIDENCE says not to. Panic has never helped anyone.

JB Lockhart, Northern California, United States

I truly believe they are innocent, you only have to look at the emaciated state of Kate, and the emotional voice of Gerry - no one could even act the way they look and behave. How about the people of this world supporting them instead of putting them through even more torment by the horrible things being said about them. These two people and their famlies need support not jibes of wit, this is all about Madeline not about what Kate is wearing today and tomorrow etc, not about 'The good looking couple' remember Madeline in all of this? just in case those of you out there have forgotten - Madeline McCann is the little girl this whole situation is all about 'Missing Madeline' yes we want her back as much as her parents do

carolyn Conroy wright, york, England

Good for Branson ! I admire him for this action.

TomTom, Leeds, England

It is well known that in the case of a missing child, unless the police are mobilized and pushed to aggressively search, they are slow and lose interest quickly. The more time that passes, the less the chance of finding the child. For that reason, in any case like this, if the parents can maintain a high profile, by interviewing in media, keeping their pictures in the news and using a publicist for help and advice it maximizes the chance of finding the child. It is absolutely ignorant and wromg to criticize them for keeping the case "alive" and incorrect to imply they are publicity hounds.

Steven Mann, San Francisco, CA

Richard Branson shares our instincts on this matter. They are effectively being tortured and deserve supporting.

K. Urban, London , UK

The YouGov poll is very interesting. No one, anywhere, knows anything. Not a single fact. So what was the question the pollsters asked - 'What is your considered opinion on this subject about which you know nothing at all'?

eric campbell, harrogate, uk

Branson should give the money to the starving tea pickers of Darjeeling rather than this high earning pair of doctors!

Name Withheld, Urmston,

If you have followed the case from day one (I really have),
it becomes evident that the Mccanns could not have killed
their daughter, hidden the body for three weeks (obviously in a deepfreezer) and then used the rental car to dispose of the body without being seen. They were never on their own.

This car was used for moving all their belongings from the
hotel to the house they rented for the rest of their stay. That
means all the belongings of Madeleine as well - her
clothes, combs, toothbrush etc. as well. I take it that the hair found belong to a living Madeleine.

Madeleine shares DNA with her parents and siblings. It seems natural that her mother/ father would use sleeping-pills or sedatives during this terrible ordeal, and that traces of this could be found . And dogs can get excited by other smells
than that of a dead body, they are not robots

There are so many loose ends in this case, please concentrate on them.

A supporter of the McCann family

Lidia Smith-Hald, Oslo , Norway