ALAN ROBERT PIKE'S Witness Statement analysed

by **Tony Bennett** 17.08.10 22:23

Comments in red below

Witness Statement of Alan Robert PIKE
Occupation: Crisis Counsellor 2008.05.07
This testimony (constituted by two pages and signed by me) is the truth and in accordance with my understanding. I give this testimony with the knowledge that, knowingly making false statements may subject me to legal action.

Date: 07 of May 2008
Signature: __________________________________________

I am the above reference person and live at the physical address already provided the police. I work as a crisis counsellor. DC Holliday and DC Ferguson of the Leicestershire police questioned me on behalf of the Portuguese police relative

To my involvement with Gerald and Kate McCann whose daughter disappeared from Praia da Luz in Portugal in May of 2007.

I have been a crisis counsellor for about 3 and a half years, and work for a private agency titled 'The Centre for Crisis Psychology' (or CCP).

CCP is based in Skipton, North Yorkshire, the same place where Michael Wright, cousin of Dr Kate McCann, also lives. Michael Wright visited Praia da Luz for five periods between May and September 2007. Dr Kate McCann attended a christening in Skipton in July 2007.

Before this job, I worked as a social worker for about 11 years. CCP has agreements with other agencies who can request our services, like for example, the placement to a holiday to offer assistance to someone who has suffered a traumatic event. There are many different aspects in my profession, but this one seems to me the most relevant to my testimony.

I would say that my experience with CCP was required in order to help people abroad who find themselves confronted with tragic situations, for a total of between 30 and 60 times. I got to know Gerald McCann and Kate Healy on Saturday, May 5, 2007. I would describe my relationship with them in totally clinical terms. I provided them counselling help with regards to their emotional state provoked by the fact that they were separated from their daughter Madeleine. I spoke with Gerry and Kate very early in the morning on the 5th of May, 2007. Our services were requested by the Mark Warner agency.

The booking of CCP to speak with Dr Gerald and Dr Kate McCann, 'very early' on 5 May, and then fly out to Praia da Luz, must have been done in great haste on Friday 4 May, when half of Praia da Luz and the surrounding villages were desperately searching every outbuilding in the area. Why, when Madeleine could have been found any day or any hour, were Mark Warner so keen to send out this government-funded group, CCP. Why were Mark Warner so keen to reday to pay their bills?

I travelled specifically to speak to them in person, and with the family and agency functionaries. Kate and Gerry had been awake for two nights when I got to know them.

I do not remember specifically what they said about Madeleine's disappearance

Strange. Did he not take notes?

and I did not ask them about the circumstances in which the disappearance occurred.

Also strange.

My purpose at the time was their emotional state. My role was not to question them regarding the disappearance or to investigate. Upon reflection however, they always referred to their daughter's disappearance as an 'abduction.'

Dr Kate McCann knew 'instantly' that Madeleine had been abducted.

I would say that Kate and Gerry were exhausted, anguished, confused, and angry for a few reasons, but namely with the lack of information. They were insecure as to how to help and with the lack of help and assistance.

The British Ambassador.
The Centre for Crisis Psychology.
Clarence Mitchell.
Control Risks Group.
Three Leicestershire Police Officers including a Family Liaison Officer.
Alex Woolfall from Bell Pottinger.
The British and Portuguese media plus the media of many other countries.

Soon afterwards...

Gordon Brown.
The Pope
£2 million plus from the general public.

Their comportment did not surprise me. It was a comportment which I have witnessed a lot at times when a trauma is suffered. In my opinion, their reaction relative to the disappearance of Madeleine, as already stated above, was completely within the bounds of what one would expect of parents whose daughter was taken from them against their will.

I was not there to judge the reaction of Kate or Gerry, but I would say that their behaviour was consistent, according to my knowledge of that which they were experiencing. I helped them deal with the situation and offered them face to face counselling on many occasions, since the day I met with them in Portugal and in Leicester. They and the rest of the family have access to a 24-hour telephone help line. At CCP we use a psychological method in each of clinical interventions that allows the patient to relive their traumatic experience,

but above, you wrote: "I do not remember specifically what they said about Madeleine's disappearance"

...discuss his or her physical and emotional reactions and after provide counselling and support that helps them deal with these emotions in the short and long-term.

Since the return of Kate and Gerry to the U.K., I have worked for them privately

Paid for by whom?

but my relationship here has been exclusively clinical in nature.

This testimony was made by me and is the truth according to my understanding.

by WOODWARD 18.08.10 13:55

Interesting use of the phrase "within the bounds of",a peculiar turn of phrase for the circumstances and also quoted as being used by the unamed expert who said their non existent child care arrangements were" within the bounds of normal parenting". Maybe they were being reassured by their non judgemental counsellor that they musnt blame themselves and the poor sap has been quoted out of context ever since

by **PeterMac** 07.01.14 15:24

http://joana-morais.blogspot.com/2013/09/kate-considered-committing-suicide.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-490317/I-dont-know-long-hold-says-Kate-McCanns-anxious-mother.html

One for the record - - Clarence Mitchell said: "It is beyond offensive to suggest Kate is suicidal. She is not."

PIKE HAS NO PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION
This was discovered when he was questioned by the defence lawyer for Guerra and Paz as to his qualifications, his profession.
GP = Guerra and Paz
AP = Alan Pike
Transcript from Court:-
GP – What exactly is your profession?
AP - replies that he is a crisis counsellor.
GP - asks whether he is a psychologist?
AP - says he has some competences in psychology (psychology was one of the elements in his degree)
GP - asks again "are you a psychologist?"
AP - NO
Pity it was not asked - What is his 'degree?'

http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/HELP.htm
ALAN PIKE
MARTIN ALDERTON AND ALAN PIKE (Trauma Counsellors - Centre for Crisis Psychology)
Mark Warner flew out two specialist counsellors to help comfort the McCanns, spending time with the couple through the traumatic days. Leicestershire police sent three family liaison officers. Alan Pike and Martin Alderton from the Centre for Crisis Psychology (whose headquarters are in Skipton, North Yorkshire) flew to Portugal soon after the youngster vanished from the family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz on May 3. They have played a vital behind-the-scenes role ever since, both in helping the couple deal with the aftermath of the crime and the devastation of being made official suspects. Martin Alderton became a Partner at the Centre for Crisis Psychology in May 2003 after a number of years as a senior consultant. Before joining CCP Martin worked as a social worker for 13 years specialising in mental health care; most recently he was the manager of a multi-disciplinary community mental health team. Martin also set up and coordinated a Crisis Response Service. Since joining CCP Martin has provided clinical support following the 2003 South Africa Coach Crash in which 6 British Holidaymakers were killed, and the 2003 Manchester Motorway minibus crash in which 7 people were killed. Martin regularly provides crisis aftercare, psychological debriefing and training, and is responsible for the quality control of service delivery. Alan Pike is one of the Clinical Partners at the Centre. He worked as a social worker in Manchester from 1990 to 2004. Alan’s core work as a social worker was in child protection with children from 0-16 years old and their families. His experience in trauma aftercare includes cases of domestic violence, child abuse, child death, and loss and bereavement following adoption. Since joining CCP in 2004 he has been involved in consulting and supporting staff and customers for companies following incidents including the Gran Canaria coach crash (2004), personal attacks, child abduction, terrorist bombings (Sharm el Sheikh 2005), shootings, robberies, hurricanes (Emily, Wilma 2005), drowning and staff bereavement. Alan was made a Clinical Partner in December 2005 and together with consulting also delivers training to CCP customers. The couple's psychologist, Alan Pike, who counselled them every day for a fortnight in May, said Mrs McCann was threatened with losing her other children, two-year-old twins Sean and Amelie.

http://www.ccpsupport.co.uk/Our%20People
SNIP
Alan Pike, Clinical Partner
Before joining CCP, Alan spent 14 years as a social worker in child protection, working with children from 0-16 years old and with their families. His experience in trauma aftercare includes involvement in cases of domestic violence, child abuse, child death and loss and bereavement following adoption.

Alan was made Clinical Partner in December 2005 and as well as consulting he also delivers training to CCP customers.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/alanpikeccp
Alan Pike
Experienced professional in trauma care, employee assistance, and training at CCP
Manchester, United Kingdom Human Resources
Alan Pike's Overview
Current
Clinical Partner & Trauma Consultant at CCP
Past
Clinical Consultant at CCP
Child Protection Social Worker at Local Government
Education
The Manchester Metropolitan University

Alan Pike's Summary
My experience is predominantly in the field of supporting employers and their people at times of stress and trauma, by delivering a range of support over a short period of time, focussed on them returning to normal routines as quickly as possible. This ensures a rapid recovery, minimal disruption to the organisation and promotes the the long term psychological health of the individuals concerned. CCP work accross a range of industries including retail, logistics, transport, energy, travel and tourism, leisure and hotels, and construction.
Specialties
- Face to face clinical support
- Telephone based counselling
- Training/preparation of those responding to trauma at work
- Mediation
- Online/E mail counselling.
- Flexibility to deliver support worldwide across all industries
Alan Pike's Experience
Clinical Partner & Trauma Consultant
CCP
Partnership; 11-50 employees; Professional Training & Coaching industry
September 2004 – Present (9 years 3 months)
I am currently a Partner at CCP, a leading UK company who specialise in providing psychological care and employee assistance to orgainisations, their employees, and their customers.
Clinical Consultant
CCP

September 2004 – October 2005 (1 year 2 months)
Clinical Consultant delivering trauma care to the employees and customers of CCP's wide range of clients.
Child Protection Social Worker
Local Government

September 1999 – August 2004 (5 years)
My role involved the protection of children in South Manchester in and area team, working with families experiencing domestic violence, child abuse, and fostering and adoption.
Alan Pike's Skills & Expertise
. EAP Coaching Crisis Management Stress ManagementCounseling Psychology Leadership Development Mediation StressChange Management Interviews NLP Management Development TrainingTeamwork Culture Change Psychotherapy Personal DevelopmentPsychology Healthcare Succession Planning
View All (28) Skills
Alan Pike's Education
The Manchester Metropolitan University
BA (Hons) Social Science, Psychology
1986 – 1989

__________________________________________________________________________
EDITED TO ADD
So he's got a BA in Social Science from a Poly-versity !
NO PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AT ALL.

See later.
IF you get a 2:2 (!) you can join the next stage and be eligible for the training.
He obviously didn't, or he would have it all over his CV.
And that only if you Major in Psy. for the last two years. did he even do that.
_________________________________________________________

http://www2.mmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2014/10656/
BA/BSc Combined Honours
Psychology / Sociology 2014 entry

Overview
Course in depth
Career prospects
Entry Requirements
Related courses
KIS
This course allows you to combine the scientific study of human behaviour with an understanding of social relations, social structures and how they influence all aspects of our lives.
Psychology focuses on the central areas of psychological enquiry and the methods used for the study of human behaviour. Studying sociology will help you to form your own judgements about the fundamental social changes shaping the world today. If you major in psychology in Years 2 and 3 and achieve a 2:2, you will be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society.
Year of entry 2014
Length 3 years full-time · 6 years part-time
UCAS code(s) CL83
Fees UK and EU full-time students: £9,000 · Non-EU full-time international students: £11,000
Location
Your studies will be split between two campuses. Psychology is based at the Birley Fields campus and Sociology at the All Saints campus.
where is this?
Department Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care
Features & benefits of the course
? Allows you to combine the study of two different subjects.
? Choose the balance of your subjects in Years 2 and 3 of the degree.
? If you take a major or named route in psychology, complete the required units and achieve a 2:2, you will be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society – necessary for training to become a Chartered Psychologist.

But it qualifies you to read the words on the card handed to you by the McCanns, apparently !

by SixMillionQuid 07.01.14 15:45

I would assume he's not qualified to make a diagnosis regarding someones mental health.

by **tigger** 07.01.14 15:48

May 2008: crisis counsellor for 3.5 yrs in 2008.

Sent out between. 30 and 60 times in 42 months i.e. less than once a month or around 1.5 times a month.
That is a very wide difference and I for one am surprised there is such a need to send this pseudo psychologist to far-fling holiday spots.

We keep in mind that social services in the UK must be doing the same service in all areas which they serve or is this CCP
The ONLY outfit in the whole of the UK which has had this bright idea?

With such brilliantly trained executives that Pike knew at a glance they were 'model parents' despite having no idea how they'd managed to mislay their 4yr old daughter.

Clearly CCP do not believe in cause and effect, trauma is simply a mental condition which benefits from 'treatment' no matter what caused it.

One wonders how anyone in Britain ever managed to get through WWII without a Pike at hand. splat

by Dr What 07.01.14 16:08

He states that he was a 'child protection' social worker for 14 months.But he not a qualified social worker at all.Given that professional credibility is essential in these cases, particularly when the case gets to Court, what employer would employ someone who does not even have specialist social work training?
Very odd.

by **PeterMac** 07.01.14 17:06

Dr What wrote:He states that he was a 'child protection' social worker for 14 months.But he not a qualified social worker at all.Given that professional credibility is essential in these cases, particularly when the case gets to Court, what employer would employ someone who does not even have specialist social work training?
Very odd.

Even more odd (That's a neat oxymoron !) is that the McCanns would employ him to read the words on the card, when they must have known that without any professional qualifications
and without any significant length of experience in dealing with parents who have mislaid a child, he would be either torn to pieces, or since it is an inquisitorial system, simply sent packing and his evidence scrubbed out by the judge, probably in green ink.
Which then raises another question.
Is that best they could find,
Or was he the only one who would take the thirty pieces of pensioner-donated silver to make things up ?

by littlepixie 07.01.14 17:07

He sounds like one of the type of people from outside agencies or charities often used by social services to counsel children. In my experience some are good and some spin out their "treatment" to last as long as possible for IMO financial reasons. I have yet to see what they do actually do any good.

It is true only a qualified psychiatrist can diagnose a patient.

by jeanmonroe 07.01.14 17:12

Dr What wrote:He states that he was a 'child protection' social worker for 14 months.But he not a qualified social worker at all.Given that professional credibility is essential in these cases, particularly when the case gets to Court, what employer would employ someone who does not even have specialist social work training?
Very odd.

Just ANOTHER middle aged man purporting to look out for young girls 'safety protection',? imo.

And having to spend endless hours looking a disgusting videos and photos?

Join the 'child protection' CLUB Pikey!

What i'd really like to know who is that 'monitors' all of these self proclaimed 'expert', mainly middle aged males, 'child protection' gurus?

I'd like to see what is stored on their computers, for 'research' purposes only, you'll understand.

by Guest 07.01.14 18:07

jeanmonroe wrote:
Dr What wrote:He states that he was a 'child protection' social worker for 14 months.But he not a qualified social worker at all.Given that professional credibility is essential in these cases, particularly when the case gets to Court, what employer would employ someone who does not even have specialist social work training?
Very odd.

Just ANOTHER middle aged man purporting to look out for young girls 'safety protection',? imo.

And having to spend endless hours looking a disgusting videos and photos?

Join the 'child protection' CLUB Pikey!

What i'd really like to know who is that 'monitors' all of these self proclaimed 'expert', mainly middle aged males, 'child protection' gurus?

I'd like to see what is stored on their computers, for 'research' purposes only, you'll understand.

Fortunately (I was going to say 'sadly' but that would be wrong) nowadays we have become more aware about child protection haven't we, and I believe it is a good thing to

question any "officials" who work in this field. Snipped from his cv, this would not give me much confidence in his abilities to help those whose child has disappeared.

My experience is predominantly in the field of supporting employers and their people at times of stress and trauma, by delivering a range of support over a short period of time, focussed on them returning to normal routines as quickly as possible. This ensures a rapid recovery, minimal disruption to the organisation and promotes the the long term psychological health of the individuals concerned.

by Seek truth 16.01.14 7:12

Did the McCanns get counselling? And how long for?
Did they need it?

by **tigger** 16.01.14 7:18

Seek truth wrote:Did the McCanns get counselling? And how long for?
Did they need it?

They needed a Minder - neither of them are safe to be let out without one.

by By Numbers 20.01.14 10:04

I've not been following forums closely for a few years, so it's difficult to keep up, but this is the first time I've seen such a confirmation as below. I thought this was denied in a roundabout way, with an emphasis placed on visits from social workers, on their return, being at their request?

http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/HELP.htm
...
Alan Pike, who counselled them every day for a fortnight in May, said Mrs McCann was threatened with losing her other children, two-year-old twins Sean and Amelie.

...

by worriedmum 20.01.14 11:26

By Numbers wrote:I've not been following forums closely for a few years, so it's difficult to keep up, but this is the first time I've seen such a confirmation as below. I thought this was denied in a roundabout way, with an emphasis placed on visits from social workers, on their return, being at their request?

http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/HELP.htm
...
Alan Pike, who counselled them every day for a fortnight in May, said Mrs McCann was threatened with losing her other children, two-year-old twins Sean and Amelie.

...

Yes that leapt out at me too.

quote ''Alan’s core work as a social worker was in child protection with children from 0-16 years old and their families. His experience in trauma aftercare includes cases of domestic violence, child abuse, child death, and loss and bereavement following adoption.''

by Truthandjustice 24.01.14 9:22

Unfortunately counselling is not currently regulated in the UK and anyone can call themselves a counsellor without any training whatsoever (regulation is in the pipeline) . However, the largest professional organisation British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy has extremely high standards and requirements for professional registration and accreditation. A counsellor would be expected to have a minimum of 400 hours tuition along with 100 supervised client hours over 2 years in order to qualify and must abide by the BACP code of ethics and good practice. A further 350 hours supervised client work is required for full accreditation. A social worker is not a qualified counsellor by any stretch of the imagination.

by Guest 24.01.14 11:27

Truthandjustice wrote:Unfortunately counselling is not currently regulated in the UK and anyone can call themselves a counsellor without any training whatsoever (regulation is in the pipeline) . However, the largest professional organisation British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy has extremely high standards and requirements for professional registration and accreditation. A counsellor would be expected to have a minimum of 400 hours tuition along with 100 supervised client hours over 2 years in order to qualify and must abide by the BACP code of ethics and good practice. A further 350 hours supervised client work is required for full accreditation. A social worker is not a qualified counsellor by any stretch of the imagination.

Is mr Pike a BACP registered professional?

If not, then what is he?

by Truthandjustice 24.01.14 11:48

Portia wrote:
Truthandjustice wrote:Unfortunately counselling is not currently regulated in the UK and anyone can call themselves a counsellor without any training whatsoever (regulation is in the pipeline) . However, the largest professional organisation British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy has extremely high standards and requirements for professional registration and accreditation. A counsellor would be expected to have a minimum of 400 hours tuition along with 100 supervised client hours over 2 years in order to qualify and must abide by the BACP code of ethics and good practice. A further 350 hours supervised client work is required for full accreditation. A social worker is not a qualified counsellor by any stretch of the imagination.

Is mr Pike a BACP registered professional?

If not, then what is he?

Not as far as I can tell. He would have the letters BACP reg or accred after his name if he were. If he had any kind of qualification in counselling or psychotherapy surely he would advertise the fact? It is worrying that he lists psychotherapy as one of his skills if he has not qualified in it. Roll on regulation.

by Guest 24.01.14 12:28

BACP register of people called "Pike": http://www.bacpregister.co.uk/check_register/results.php?certname=Pike&certnum=&country=uk&postcode=&distance=20&units=miles

by mavisreilly 24.01.14 17:41

Interesting that he claimed to be a social worker up to 2004. "Social worker" became a protected title in 2005 meaning that it is illegal to call oneself a social worker unless you are registered by (then) general social care council, now health care professionals council. To register you must have a recognized social w ork qualification. Prior to this unqualified people could be employed as social workers within area teams etc but it would, even then have been more usual for them to be referred to as social work assistants, case workers or other title.

by skyrocket 17.10.16 8:27

In 'the list of people that the McCann's want interviewed', Alan Pike appears under 'Group 3':

http://www.mccannpjfiles.co.uk/PJ/MCCANNS-WANTED.htm

[*]Group 3 (people who saw and/or spoke with Kate and Gerry at the time they noticed Madeleine's disappearance):

[*]Patricia Cameron, with address at ...> (Dumbarton) (079,122 ####)

[*]Paul Seddon, with address at ...> (Salford) (079,262 #####)

[*]Michelle Thompson, with address at ...> (Liverpool) (0,151,280 ####)

[*]Emma Kinghts, with address at ...> (Ocean Club, c / o Mark Warner) (3,519,614 ####)

[*]Alan Pike, with address at ...> (Skipton) (0,781,212 ####)

Note that Pike appears alongside all persons that either the Mc's or the person themselves have stated spoke to the Mc's on the night of the 3 May/early hours of 4 May.

'Group 5 (persons closely involved in the routine of Kate and Gerry in Portugal after the disappearance of Madeleine and their emotional state)' would, on the surface, seem more appropriate.

So why was this when Pike says he was brought in by MarkWarner and that the first time he spoke to the Mc's was early on 5 May, after he had arrived in Luz? It seems quite a coincidence that he is based in Skipton, the home town of Michael Wright, a place the Mc's had visited/stayed.

by skyrocket 30.10.16 16:16

Thanks to @Hogwash's post re: the McCann v Amaral trial, I have been pottering through the trial notes and came across Alan Pike's cross-examination (thanks to Pamalam).

http://www.gerrymccannsblogs.co.uk/Alan_Pike_19_09_2013.htm

Amongst others, the following response was interesting:

'He first met the McCanns on the 5th May 2007. His first contact was a phone call from the Mark Warner Group at 4am in the morning. He says it is quite normal to be woken up in the middle of the night in a case of psychological traumatic.

MW requested he take the next possible flight to the Algarve. He says he provided professional services to the McCann family on a regular basis up until September 2007. After they went back to the UK he continued to counsel them up until about 3 years ago. He is now in contact with them on a pro bono (no charge) basis by e-mail and telephone. From the end of 2007, he was engaged by the McCanns directly. He says MW did much more than would have normally been expected of such a company'.

Pike is shown as booked into the OC from the 4 May, which means the 4 am phone call has to have been in the early hours of Friday 4th i.e. less than 6 hours after the McCann's reported time of Madeleine's 'abduction'.

The above scenario would tie in with my post above and with the Mc's categorizing Pike as, belonging to the group of 'people who saw and/or spoke with Kate and Gerry at the time they noticed Madeleine's disappearance'.

It seems odd that MarkWarner didn't wait a few hours until a more reasonable time, say 7 am; where did the referral come from and who suggested that Pike should be called in, during that first night? Perhaps the Mcs did know Pike prior to the holiday and called him along with their phone call to Father Seddon, but why would Pike's skill set be a priority (or Seddon's for that matter)? Surely the last thing on your mind in the first 12 or even 24 hours after your child had vanished would be your own psychological well-being.

Just to re-iterate - Alan Pike appears to have been called to Luz less than 6 hours after the McCanns state they raised the alarm about Madeleine's disappearance.

by Richard IV 30.10.16 19:29

Very odd.

Mark Warner must have been pretty sure MBM wasn`t going to be found, to go to the expense and trouble of flying out a counsellor so soon.

Makes one wonder if they felt responsible in some way.

by Verdi 30.10.16 20:29

Richard IV wrote:Very odd.

Mark Warner must have been pretty sure MBM wasn`t going to be found, to go to the expense and trouble of flying out a counsellor so soon.

Makes one wonder if they felt responsible in some way

It doesn't surprise me in the least.

Whether Mark Warner was responsible in some way or not, such a situation as a small child disappearing from their holiday accommodation would do their reputation irreparable damage - particularly as they pride themselves on their second to none child care facilities.

From the moment of Kate McCann's alert at around 10:00 pm. the McCanns and their group sprung into action by alerting their friends and relations back in the UK - who in turn swiftly alerted the UK press, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and gawd knows who else. Quite understandable in my opinion, that Mark Warner reacted likewise to cover their own rather vulnerable backsides.

Mark Warner organization certainly pulled out all the stops for the McCanns and their entourage but I'm sure that was only for reasons of damage limitation rather than anything more sinister.