Re: Martin Brunt Confronts Twitter "Troll"

by Bishop Brennan 06.10.14 15:11

A good tweet just went by:

‏@savior_cinco 5m

"Am guessing the media driving a woman to her death will generate less police interest than her tweets."

How true. How terribly, sadly true.

by DonNewbery 06.10.14 15:16

sallypelt wrote:I have just checked the checking out time of the hotel, and in this instance it's Check in after 2:00PM and check out by 12:00 PM [sic]

Well, perhaps she had a 'do not disturb' sign on door, and did not check out .. and that they rang her hotel room .. and she did not answer ... and eventually they went up to investigate ... I mean, there are lots of perfectly plausible scenarios here.

by Joss 06.10.14 15:17

DonNewbery wrote:
sallypelt wrote:I have just checked the checking out time of the hotel, and in this instance it's Check in after 2:00PM and check out by 12:00 PM [sic]

Well, perhaps she had a 'do not disturb' sign on door, and did not check out .. and that they rang her hotel room .. and she did not answer ... and eventually they went up to investigate ... I mean, there are lots of perfectly plausible scenarios here.

Yes, we know very little about what transpired.

by NickE 06.10.14 15:18

Peace, Love, Justice ‏ @LarryPKay

Someone in Leics said local news just said the mccanns refused to comment on the death of Brenda Leyland
#FirstTimeForEverything
#McCann

by Jamming 06.10.14 15:19

DonNewbery wrote:
sallypelt wrote:I have just checked the checking out time of the hotel, and in this instance it's Check in after 2:00PM and check out by 12:00 PM [sic]

Well, perhaps she had a 'do not disturb' sign on door, and did not check out .. and that they rang her hotel room .. and she did not answer ... and eventually they went up to investigate ... I mean, there are lots of perfectly plausible scenarios here.

Precisely. Maybe she wasn't even due to check out for another day or two either

by juliet 06.10.14 15:19

I didn't believe the story that the nurse Jacinta killed herself simply for answering the phone to someone who wasn't the Queen. I don't now believe Brenda killed herself because of the "shame" of being anti-McCann. She was a loved and loving mother, and a clever and shrewd operator.

by sallypelt 06.10.14 15:19

DonNewbery wrote:
sallypelt wrote:I have just checked the checking out time of the hotel, and in this instance it's Check in after 2:00PM and check out by 12:00 PM [sic]

Well, perhaps she had a 'do not disturb' sign on door, and did not check out .. and that they rang her hotel room .. and she did not answer ... and eventually they went up to investigate ... I mean, there are lots of perfectly plausible scenarios here.

Well, the sign would count for nothing if checking out was a 12:00 Noon. Even though rooms are vacated, that doesn't mean the cleaners clean the room immediately after one has left. That's why they ask you to be out by noon, yet not check in until after 2:00PM. Cleaners are still cleaning rooms up to and often after the check IN time.

by j.rob 06.10.14 15:20

Sack Martin Brunt facebook page/group.

Of course this all goes up much higher than some old Sky hack, imo. But, still.....is he being 'hung out to dry'? Perhaps because he used to be a disbeliever? And if he formed his own opinion on this case early on, I cannot imagine that he has learned anything more about the case which would have changed his mind to the extent of becoming a believer.

So he must have been leaned on, imo. Why him particularly, though? I doubt any of the Sky hacks believe TM, even lovely Lorraine.

Some interesting comments on here, though. And the names Pamela Gurney and Amy Tierney crop up.

So who are the real trolls in this very sad case I wonder?

At least one of the comments on this facebook page states that Brenda Leyland did speak privately to Brunt. If this is the case, I wonder what he said to her? Why did she go to a hotel?

How could the police possibly state so early on that the death is not being treated as suspicious?

https://www.facebook.com/SackMartinBrunt

by NickE 06.10.14 15:21

[size=32]McCann 'Twitter troll' found dead in hotel[/size]
Martin Brunt Confronts Twitter "Troll" - Page 35 _78040022_0698d39a-cd43-475b-9358-8301ad7635ac

Martin Brunt Confronts Twitter "Troll" - Page 35 _78040022_0698d39a-cd43-475b-9358-8301ad7635ac

Brenda Leyland was asked by a Sky News reporter about abusive messages relating to the McCanns on Twitter
A 63-year-old woman who was accused of targeting internet abuse at the family of Madeleine McCann has been found dead in a hotel.
Brenda Leyland, from Burton Overy, Leicestershire, was accused of being one of the so-called "trolls" directing abusive messages at the McCanns.
Her body was found days after she was confronted outside her home by a Sky News reporter.
Madeleine McCann disappeared while on holiday in Portugal in 2007.
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Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
Psychologist Dr Arthur Cassidy: McCann Twitter troll had "unusual background"
Mrs Leyland was confronted by the reporter who put to her she had posted messages attacking the family on Twitter via the handle @sweepyface.
She replied: "I'm entitled to do that."
A spokesman for Leicestershire Police said: "Police were called at 13:42 on Saturday 4 October to reports of a body of a woman in a hotel room in Smith Way, Grove Park [in Leicester].
"Officers have attended the scene and a file is being prepared for the coroner. The death is not being treated as suspicious."
Sky issued a statement saying: "We were saddened to hear of the death of Brenda Leyland. It would be inappropriate to speculate or comment further at this time."
A statement released by the Marriott Hotel in Leicester read: "We are very sad to confirm the death of a guest at the Leicester Marriott Hotel and our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the deceased."
On Friday, Madeleine's father, Gerry McCann, told the BBC: "Clearly something needs to be done about the abuse on the internet.
Martin Brunt Confronts Twitter "Troll" - Page 35 _78029085_77987536

Martin Brunt Confronts Twitter "Troll" - Page 35 _78029085_77987536

Gerry and Kate McCann have been subjected to a sustained hate campaign by internet "trolls"
"I think we probably need more people charged."
He described how he and his wife Kate, who live in Rothley, Leicestershire with their nine-year-old twins, did not read posts about them on the internet because it was too "upsetting".
His interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme followed the news police were reviewing a dossier of abusive messages about the family on social media, although the Met Police said nobody had been interviewed in connection with the investigation.
In a list of thousands of tweets, apparently sent by Mrs Leyland, none of the messages are directed personally at the McCanns, who have "no significant presence" on social media.
However, many are labelled with the hashtag #mccanns which allows them to be easily found and criticised the couple following the disappearance of their daughter.
Martin Brunt Confronts Twitter "Troll" - Page 35 _78031073_78031072

Martin Brunt Confronts Twitter "Troll" - Page 35 _78031073_78031072

Brenda Leyland was said to use the handle @sweepyface on Twitter
One read: "#mccann To Kate and Gerry, you will be hated by millions for the rest of your miserable, evil, conniving lives, have a nice day!"
The account has since been deleted.
Dr Arthur Cassidy, a psychologist who specialises in social media, said Mrs Leyland appeared to have a middle class upbringing which was unusual in trolling.
He said: "In this particular case, her whole repertoire of trolling is slightly different from those of well-seasoned trolls because of her uniqueness and the way she has done this.
"It would signify to me that she has been quite a novice at this."
Dr Cassidy said typically, trolls sought and enjoyed a response from their victims but that did not appear to have been the case here.
Mrs Leyland's son tweeted a tribute to his mum, writing simply: "I love you mum and I will miss you forever."
Supporters of the 63-year-old have established a Facebook page, with several people posting tributes and condolences to her fam

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-29501646

by Joss 06.10.14 15:21

juliet wrote:I didn't believe the story that the nurse Jacinta killed herself simply for answering the phone to someone who wasn't the Queen. I don't now believe Brenda killed herself because of the "shame" of being anti-McCann. She was a loved and loving mother, and a clever and shrewd operator.

I agree, and something about all of this just doesn't sit right, its very bizarre to me.

by sallypelt 06.10.14 15:22

j.rob wrote:Sack Martin Brunt facebook page/group.

Of course this all goes up much higher than some old Sky hack, imo. But, still.....is he being 'hung out to dry'? Perhaps because he used to be a disbeliever? And if he formed his own opinion on this case early on, I cannot imagine that he has learned anything more about the case which would have changed his mind to the extent of becoming a believer.

So he must have been leaned on, imo. Why him particularly, though? I doubt any of the Sky hacks believe TM, even lovely Lorraine.

Some interesting comments on here, though. And the names Pamela Gurney and Amy Tierney crop up.

So who are the real trolls in this very sad case I wonder?

At least one of the comments on this facebook page states that Brenda Leyland did speak privately to Brunt. If this is the case, I wonder what he said to her? Why did she go to a hotel?

How could the police possibly state so early on that the death is not being treated as suspicious?

https://www.facebook.com/SackMartinBrunt

Because in all probability, she either left a note, or informed one of her friends or family that she intended to take her own life. I am not saying that that IS what has happened, but it looks likely. And if she did leave a note, the public will not know about it until the inquest.

by DonNewbery 06.10.14 15:26

Jamming wrote:
DonNewbery wrote:
sallypelt wrote:I have just checked the checking out time of the hotel, and in this instance it's Check in after 2:00PM and check out by 12:00 PM [sic]

Well, perhaps she had a 'do not disturb' sign on door, and did not check out .. and that they rang her hotel room .. and she did not answer ... and eventually they went up to investigate ... I mean, there are lots of perfectly plausible scenarios here.

Precisely. Maybe she wasn't even due to check out for another day or two either

Yes. It sounds as if she'd retreated to the hotel on a longish term basis and had 'marooned' herself there. One very likely scenario was that she had lunch there each day, and may perhaps even have ordered lunch, but had not have appeared. I don't think there's any mystery about the finding of the body. Nor anything odd about the police statement (it seems right and proper). My original point was an entirely different one about the likelihood of any suicide note turning up at the inquest ..

by haroldd2 06.10.14 15:27

A list of sweepyface's tweets between 21:06:58 21 Dec 2010 and 21:30:04 29 Sep 2014 is here.
I don't know where it comes from, but each tweet has a reference number to the left which is presumably checkable. I proceed cautiously on the assumption that the list is genuine. (But having watched the rapid emergence of competing MI6 lists in the Richard Tomlinson case, I will be interested if differing versions of this list start floating around.)

Here are some of her tweets.

Look what she says about GORDON BROWN

Who is the "Mod" she refers to? What are they a Mod of?

In Jul 2014 she says she does not reside in UK.

516696005669289984|Mon Sep 29 21:08:22 +0000 2014|#mccann @skymartinbrunt Martin, any thoughts on the connection between Amy Tierney, the witness and Basil ? how does that work ?

516686111918530561|Mon Sep 29 20:29:03 +0000 2014|#mccann Block function is used against Shills, however this Tierney business has huge relevance to the investigation

516685639967047682|Mon Sep 29 20:27:10 +0000 2014|#mccann As Matthew said, many of us know, names addresses and work places of some Shills, NEVER used them as it is beneath contempt

516684035075366913|Mon Sep 29 20:20:48 +0000 2014|#mccann basil " offers " to have a Skype chat with Mod, that will be a lot of good, Mod is as biased as they come, hahaha

516681106520023040|Mon Sep 29 20:09:09 +0000 2014|@martin_liz #mccann Liz ! think of the ramifications, if AT has been tweeting etc, this is totally illegal and corrupt FGS

516680065917403136|Mon Sep 29 20:05:01 +0000 2014|Amy Tierney 1) Has more of a relationship with #mccann s than witness should, appears 2 have been rewarded for testimony , tweets@work

516678636033015809|Mon Sep 29 19:59:20 +0000 2014|#mccann It is very serious if Amy Tierney has been indirectly working for a tweeting about this ongoing case, VERY serious

516663733024985088|Mon Sep 29 19:00:07 +0000 2014|#mccann " Men in suits want me to stop " but not until I have told every body about their presence

516627899366268928|Mon Sep 29 16:37:44 +0000 2014|@RothleyPillow #mccann Come the hour, come the man, can say no more at present, but some have really sealed their fate

516626506563731457|Mon Sep 29 16:32:12 +0000 2014|@RothleyPillow #mccann I am not suffering, the stalking and threats have been most useful for me, cannot thank the perps enough

516603371974053889|Mon Sep 29 15:00:16 +0000 2014|#mccann I bet that CM has realised that this book has aroused more suspicion and has said " cool it, forget it " 2 S & S

516354976348921856|Sun Sep 28 22:33:14 +0000 2014|#mccann Bulgers mum, lost sight for seconds and still blames herself. K & G LEFT them every night but don't blame themselves

516351453431345152|Sun Sep 28 22:19:14 +0000 2014|@PORTUGALONLINE @JillyCL @LHLNews #mccann Amy has been instrumental in some of the most underhand and vicious tricks on this thread

494865535482740736|Thu Jul 31 15:21:52 +0000 2014|#mccann MANY articles re Gordon Brown proclivity for kids on Google, cd that merit cover up ?

494865109295316992|Thu Jul 31 15:20:10 +0000 2014|@vastexpense #mccann Cannot escape a lurking suspicion re Gordon Brown ( see google on him ) and the vile 2some ( cover up 4 Brown )

487168535433842690|Thu Jul 10 09:36:44 +0000 2014|#mccann Anyone googled Gordon Browm paedophile or Blair cottaging recently ? scares day lights out of you

487160963062579200|Thu Jul 10 09:06:39 +0000 2014|@tonybooth20 @60sreject @raynerphil #mccann I am convinced it is darker than that, I also think the truth would bring UK govt crashing

487161603864166400|Thu Jul 10 09:09:12 +0000 2014|#mccann I find it difficult to have any trust in UK govt or police because of this, luckily, I do not reside in UK, sad state of affairs

399933135816626177|Mon Nov 11 16:14:24 +0000 2013|#McCann I would also hope that were I to die in odd circumstances people WOULD Q and not just accept the first version

by juliet 06.10.14 15:27

On sky news at the time it said Brenda returned to her village (after being filmed driving away) and took Brunt into her house where they talked off camera. I would love to know more about that talk. I assume she explained why she was so critical of the McCanns - and of course that wasn't going to be shown was it? In several of her last tweets she has a lot to say about Amy Tierney. She was very vociferous always about the shills on twitter. In at least one tweet she said they threatened her.

by Guest 06.10.14 15:27

j.rob wrote:How could the police possibly state so early on that the death is not being treated as suspicious?

A good question with all that went before.

She might have been threatened, intimidated or blackmailed.

by DonNewbery 06.10.14 15:28

sallypelt wrote:
j.rob wrote:Sack Martin Brunt facebook page/group.

Of course this all goes up much higher than some old Sky hack, imo. But, still.....is he being 'hung out to dry'? Perhaps because he used to be a disbeliever? And if he formed his own opinion on this case early on, I cannot imagine that he has learned anything more about the case which would have changed his mind to the extent of becoming a believer.

So he must have been leaned on, imo. Why him particularly, though? I doubt any of the Sky hacks believe TM, even lovely Lorraine.

Some interesting comments on here, though. And the names Pamela Gurney and Amy Tierney crop up.

So who are the real trolls in this very sad case I wonder?

At least one of the comments on this facebook page states that Brenda Leyland did speak privately to Brunt. If this is the case, I wonder what he said to her? Why did she go to a hotel?

How could the police possibly state so early on that the death is not being treated as suspicious?

https://www.facebook.com/SackMartinBrunt

Because in all probability, she either left a note, or informed one of her friends or family that she intended to take her own life. I am not saying that that IS what has happened, but it looks likely. And if she did leave a note, the public will not know about it until the inquest.

My much darker point is that, if she did leave a note, the public may NOT hear about it at the inquest.

by jeanmonroe 06.10.14 15:30

thetruthbeknown wrote:I think police are not allowed to put further details, or speculate to be honest. This is their most recent news bulletin:

Woman identified following non-suspicious death in Leicester

Issued on 6/10/14 at 12:55 p.m.
Officers were called at 1.42pm on Saturday October 4 following a report of Brenda Leyland being found deceased at a hotel room in Smith Way, Grove Park.
Ms Leyland’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the Coroner. Officers acting on behalf of the Coroner will look into the circumstances surrounding and prior to her unexpected death.

"prior to her 'unexpected' death"?

As opposed to what?

Her 'expected' death?

btw: Anything been heard about her neighbours?

I wonder why they didn't 'steam in' to 'help' her when Brunt was 'doorstepping' her?

I would have done! But that's just me! A right nosey 'git'! laughat

Who knows, i might well now be 'a zlebrity, on the telly'!

Probably just a bunch of 'curtain twitchers'

That could have been the neighbours '15 minutes of fame'

by Guest 06.10.14 15:41

jeanmonroe wrote:"prior to her 'unexpected' death"?

She was possibly not expecting it herself.

by TMH 06.10.14 15:41

haroldd2 wrote:A list of sweepyface's tweets between 21:06:58 21 Dec 2010 and 21:30:04 29 Sep 2014 is here.
I don't know where it comes from, but each tweet has a reference number to the left which is presumably checkable. I proceed cautiously on the assumption that the list is genuine. (But having watched the rapid emergence of competing MI6 lists in the Richard Tomlinson case, I will be interested if differing versions of this list start floating around.)

Here are some of her tweets.

Look what she says about GORDON BROWN

Who is the "Mod" she refers to? What are they a Mod of?

In Jul 2014 she says she does not reside in UK.

The Mod who she refers to is Modnrodder - a pro mccann of Twitter

by jeanmonroe 06.10.14 15:44

thetruthbeknown wrote:
Joss wrote:If Brenda "Fled" her home to go to a hotel, i wonder what spooked her into doing that? She hadn't been found guilty of any crime. Was she in fear of her life, and if so Why? Were people threatening her life?
It was said that she fled shortly after being photographed on the Thursday, so obviously was still an interest to the press, probably reporters hanging around. I probably would have done the same thing. Most of us would have no idea how to deal with a press invasion.

I'd have 'hired' Clarence "ST Pinky" Mitchell, if K&G, could have spared him, like they did when he 'helped' the 'deserving case', of now convicted benefits cheat, Fiona MacKeown, who cheated the taxpayer out of over £51,000.

by sallypelt 06.10.14 15:45

DonNewbery wrote:
sallypelt wrote:
j.rob wrote:Sack Martin Brunt facebook page/group.

Of course this all goes up much higher than some old Sky hack, imo. But, still.....is he being 'hung out to dry'? Perhaps because he used to be a disbeliever? And if he formed his own opinion on this case early on, I cannot imagine that he has learned anything more about the case which would have changed his mind to the extent of becoming a believer.

So he must have been leaned on, imo. Why him particularly, though? I doubt any of the Sky hacks believe TM, even lovely Lorraine.

Some interesting comments on here, though. And the names Pamela Gurney and Amy Tierney crop up.

So who are the real trolls in this very sad case I wonder?

At least one of the comments on this facebook page states that Brenda Leyland did speak privately to Brunt. If this is the case, I wonder what he said to her? Why did she go to a hotel?

How could the police possibly state so early on that the death is not being treated as suspicious?

https://www.facebook.com/SackMartinBrunt

Because in all probability, she either left a note, or informed one of her friends or family that she intended to take her own life. I am not saying that that IS what has happened, but it looks likely. And if she did leave a note, the public will not know about it until the inquest.

My much darker point is that, if she did leave a note, the public may NOT hear about it at the inquest.

Very often, when people do leave a note, you are correct. You may NEVER know what is in it, as it could be extremely personal.

by TMH 06.10.14 15:53

http://www.channel4.com/news/mccann-internet-troll-hunting-site-deleted-after-death

After the death of a woman who targeted the McCann family with online abuse, Channel 4 News finds a website that has assembled 27 dossiers on people it claims post "McCann hate".
Martin Brunt Confronts Twitter "Troll" - Page 35 06_mccann_g_w_MED

Martin Brunt Confronts Twitter "Troll" - Page 35 06_mccann_g_w_MED

Brenda Leyland, 63, from Burton Overy, Leicestershire, was said to be a "troll" who had targeted the McCanns with abusive messages on Twitter, and was found dead in a hotel on Saturday.

This was after a Sky News reporter confronted her outside her home last week. It is thought that Sky News may have used a dossier gathered by supporters of the McCanns to help them identify and find Leyland.
Channel 4 News has established that supporters of the McCann family have assembled at least 27 dossiers on both anonymous "trolls" and on those who are perceived to be "anti-McCann".

There is no indication at all of the McCanns being involved in or endorsing this activity themselves.

Gerry McCann last week told the BBC: "Clearly something needs to be done about the abuse on the internet. I'm glad to say that there have been a number of people where police have taken action."

The Metropolitan Police is investigating the 80-page dossier that catalogues the "hate campaign" against the McCann family, which includes threats against their children.

Troll-hunter site

The dossiers found by Channel 4 News have been created over a period of a number of years about online internet trolls who have targeted the McCanns.
They are hosted on a Wikipedia-style site called "Mccann Hate Exposed". It was removed from the web sometime in the past week.

Channel 4 News has seen archived copies of some page on the site that catalogue online abuse against the McCann family made by Twitter users.
The site seeks to track usernames and identities across the web, noting what usernames each person is using on sites including YouTube and web forums, and it includes details about their life in the real world.

The information in the dossiers names and unmasks some of the people who criticise or attack the McCanns.

The owners of the site have yet to respond to attempts made to contact them.

'Sweepyface'

A dossier about Leyland's account "Sweepyface" was hosted on the Wiki site, but i i's unclear if this is the same dossier that was handed to the police or the same information that was used by Sky News.

When Leyland was confronted by the Sky News reporter, it was put to her that she had posted messages attacking the family. She replied: "I'm entitled to do that."

The tweets levelled serious criticisms of the McCanns' behaviour following the disappearance of their daughter, as well as abuse directed at the couple.
One tweet allegedly posted by @Sweepyface, believed to be Leyland's Twitter account name, said the McCanns had "never had it so good".
Sky News issued a statement that says: "We were saddened to hear of the death of Brenda Leyland. It would be inappropriate to speculate or comment further at this time."
A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: "Ms Leyland's death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the Coroner.

McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: "Kate and Gerry will not be saying anything. It is entirely a matter for the police."

Article Tags

by galena 06.10.14 16:00

Bishop Brennan wrote:
Ladyinred wrote:

Bishop, The Telegraph has compiled this report clumsily. Gerry McCann was speaking on Today on Friday, 3rd October discussing "on-line trolls" the day before BL's death.

For clarity I would like to see the MSM provide a definition what they believe is an internet troll at the beginning of every piece that is published/broadcast. Currently it seems to apply to anyone who dares to write anything that challenges the official story or the saintliness of you-know-who.

Ahh. Thanks for clarifying that. I did wonder as it clashed with the earlier "no comment" reports.

"Troll" has replaced the juvenile term "hater" as a shorthand and lazy way for the MSM or authorities to dismiss / ridicule alternative viewpoints. Often used in conjunction with the output of "trolls" - the "conspiracy theory".

As someone who has been on the internet for over 20 years I hate the way the media has jumped on the term 'troll'. it has a very specific meaning to me- someone who is a windup merchant who posts deliberately controversial comments in the hope of getting a heated response, and in some case deliberately I think to derail discussions and get certain topics banned. I don't post on Twitter but from what I've heard Brenda doesn't seem to fit the category at all. She just seems to be someone who posts her opinions - just like you and me. The media just uses the term to discredit anyone who posts opinions they disagree with!

However in this media savvy age, Sky, the papers don't have the power to suppress what people are thinking anymore. The story is trending on facebook and a web page entitled 'Sack Martin Brunt' has been set up.

by **PeterMac** 06.10.14 16:02

by thetruthbeknown 06.10.14 16:06

I really dont know how this is going to pan out. Its a very tragic, undeserved ending. I do blame the media intrusion for this in the main, it was a terribly ill-thoughtout process, and I hope they will have to explain themselves. I put myself in this womans shoes, and I cant honestly say that I wouldnt have taken the same route, I too would have been distraught/devestated. Being opinionated, or interested in criminal cases does not mean you are not a private person, a family person, or overwhelmed if confronted by journalists on a mission. ts just ghastly sad