10 days to consider the 1,000-page dossier · 2007-09-12 13:59
On Monday, police gave their files about the disappearance of four-year-old Madeleine McCann to the Algarve-based prosecutor, Jose Cunha de Magalhaes e Meneses.
But just one day later, he passed them on to the criminal instructional judge. A judge is to begin examining police files and has 10 days to consider the 1,000-page dossier and review evidence involving Kate and Gerry McCanns.
Portuguese police have played down reports that DNA evidence with a 100% match to Madeleine was found in the McCanns’ hire car.
Mr and Mrs McCann were named as "arguido" last week, but they deny involvement in their daughter’s disappearance. Gerry McCann has described events as "an unending nightmare".
His sister, Philomena McCann, said the handing over of the files to the judge "doesn’t change a thing".
"If they bring charges against Kate and Gerry that will give them a chance to clear their name," she said.
Portugal’s Attorney General, Fernando Jose Pinto Monteiro, said that the investigation had not ended and "further detective work is required". He said that he had full confidence in the way the police and prosecutors were handling the McCann investigation, BBC reported.
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