Blacksmith: Payback Time

by **Jill Havern** 18.03.17 17:24

Saturday, 18 March 2017

Payback Time

Hello, Clarence. Remember all those years ago when we said you would pay for what you did?

___________________________________________________________

Clunk!

Clunk!

Clunk!

No, not the Wayback machine, the real one, the Payback Machine. One after another up they come before our eyes, the Verdict, the Final Judgement and The Empty Cupboard. The main shelf of the cupboard is now labelled "Grange: facts in the McCanns' defence to emerge from the investigation." It is big, it is friendly and it is empty.

The Bureau always said that the McCann/Amaral case was a fight to the death. That was not rhetoric: one of the two sides was going to be destroyed - literally. That was why we joined the struggle in our own small way.

The Verdict resulted from the demolition of the McCann narrative during the libel trial. It was the beginning of the end.

The Final Judgement provided, for the first time, a defence for the UK media in the libel courts after the McCanns' eight year attempt to muzzle it at source. Eight years after the McCanns and their revolting Portuguese ally, Isabel "no friends" Duarte, ambushed Amaral in order to prevent the publication of his claim that "the child died in the apartment" the couple are being relieved of 400 000 Euros and faced with claims in the tabloid press that - guess what? - the child died in the apartment.

Eight years older and four hundred thousand euros lighter, the McCanns are today faced with the publication in the Sun of claims that they are not body disposers but - guess what? - killers. The Sun stuff is far worse than the UK media ever produced in September 2007 while the couple cowered in their hideous Rothley home waiting to find out if their lawyers would save them.

They did, the shelving and the Archiving Summary followed and the way was open to sue.

Clunk! Years later one of those lawyers sat in the Lisbon witness box listening to the McCanns' claims and credibility being destroyed. Payback time. Two years later he has had the pleasure of hearing the lying "exoneration" claim - that the McCanns and the slug-like opportunist Mitchell dishonestly presented to the media the day after the shelving - dismissed by Portugal's highest court.

Clunk! News International lawyers passed the Sun story last night. Clunk! Amaral's draining of their resources leaves them without enough of their, ahem, own money to sue. That means Carter-Ruck taking on the Murdoch organization on no-win, no-fee basis. Good luck with that one.

The Empty Cupboard - the Reality Cupboard - has finally brought starvation. Nothing has emerged from the four year Grange investigation to strengthen their chances in any libel court, as News International knows. So far the McCann "team" has whined and snuffled at these claims but has made no threat to sue.

Amaral won. The McCanns are now being destroyed in front of our eyes. By Amaral and the public that they deceived. Grange is a footnote.

by MTSTAR 18.03.17 17:31

Hi, being a bit dense here but what has the Sun said? IMO it's about time people started realising that the McCanns have been lying since day 1

by **Jill Havern** 18.03.17 18:09

Courtesy of Teddy Shepherd.

by Guest 18.03.17 18:22

iamconfused.com

What????

by plebgate 18.03.17 18:27

The Portugese are not only writing about it but are also holding interviews about it.
They are trying (imo) to do their best that this is not going to be pointing at anyone who was nowhere near the scene at the time it has been stated Maddie disappeared (see carlos anjos quote reported this week).

edited to add link - https://jillhavern.forumotion.net/t13752-joana-morais-cmtv-debate-on-operation-grange-s-new-suspect#360429

by MTSTAR 18.03.17 18:45

Who are they interviewing? I just don't understand why the British police don't haul everyone in and re-interview them. They must be aware of all the comments being made and surely they want to be seen as investigating as thoroughly as possible. Are the police not bothered that they look like a set of idiots? If this had happened on British soil I'm sure this would have all been solved by now.

by plebgate 18.03.17 18:49

https://jillhavern.forumotion.net/t13752-joana-morais-cmtv-debate-on-operation-grange-s-new-suspect#360429

Also reported in the Portugal Resident newspaper.

by **Tony Bennett** 18.03.17 19:54

BlueBag wrote:iamconfused.com

What????

'Blacksmith' has throughout insisted that Operation Grange is a genuine search for the truth and has slated in the most derogatory terms those of us who insisted at the outset that it was an expensive con and charade. Plus he has frequently called this forum a 'cesspit' - despite himself often using scatological language in his posts.

Moreover, in his seminal and 'authoritative' work on the Madeleine McCann case, a rather dense and confusing piece called 'The Cracked Mirror', he says it is possible that Madeleine McCann may have been abducted - a position he has firmly held to for 10 years.

He has frequently criticised Goncalo Amaral.

He writes mostly on Rosalinda Hutton's blog these days.

Some people like his work.

Well, it's a free country...

.

by tnb 18.03.17 20:25

If this had happened on British soil I'm sure this would have all been solved by now.

MTSTAR wrote:Who are they interviewing? I just don't understand why the British police don't haul everyone in and re-interview them. They must be aware of all the comments being made and surely they want to be seen as investigating as thoroughly as possible. Are the police not bothered that they look like a set of idiots? If this had happened on British soil I'm sure this would have all been solved by now.

Are you insinuating the PJ were incompitent? £12M+ and SY have unearthed nothing. Please excuse me for asking from which planet you belong.

by Verdi 18.03.17 21:04

The blacksmith bureau talks out of it's rear quarters, these days jostling between a certain blog and the Amazon forum, it's taken more twists and turns over the years than spaghetti junction can offer the motorist. The private place in cyberspace is a safe haven, closed to comments from outsiders, I quite understand why it only speaks but never listens - it wouldn't last a day in the face of contest.

I remember clearly it stating it wasn't going to comment on the case because it could jeopardize the ongoing investigation by Operation Grange. Anyone that doubted the authenticity of Operation Grange was said to be a cesspitarian - a deluded imbecile with no conception of reality.

Well mate - the jokes on you! Your delusions of grandeur have been exposed for what they're worth - absolute zero and you can tell that to your friends. Another one that talks a lot but says nothing.

Reject !!!

by MTSTAR 19.03.17 12:40

No I don't think PJ are incompetent, quite the opposite. They should have been allowed to do their investigations without the circus that attached itself to the McCanns. It just seems to me that the British police are investigating what they have been told happened and not delving any deeper. I'm sure that if this had happened in Britain everybody's would have been forced to do a reconstruction, but then again maybe not. They are being protected big time for some reason.

by phil_burton 19.03.17 22:04

I have followed BB's blog over the years, and always respected the points he makes in his blog, even if sometimes the writing can be a bit imaginative.

He seemed to have some inside knowledge in to the case in some of the early blogs I read, which tends to encourage you to trust what he says.

On the subject of Operation Grange, I have always been split.

It's taken 4 years, millions of pounds, and they've found nothing - in what seems a pretty much open/shut case - the Portuguese seemingly got very close to solving it, but various pressures and shenanigans prevented them from doing so.

So, is OG a cover-up?

On the one hand - it's not unknown in this country for large scale cover ups of crimes committed by well known people, but on the other hand, normally a cover up is hushed up...this has been in the public eye for 10 years now. If "they" (whoever "they" are) really wanted this covered up, and it was of benefit to the McCanns, then the McCanns would have kept schtum, and it would have slowly but surely disappeared from public conscience.

I firmly believe there were many people that knew about the activities of Jimmy Saville, there's no way he could have done such evil things for so long without word having spread. Also, the speed with which people came forward once he'd died seems to suggest whatever layers of protection were in place before his death, dissipated afterwards. So there are powers at work in this country that we as civilians do not see or understand.

Having said all of that, however, I simply cannot believe the OG is a genuine investigation, which is the line Blacksmith has been pushing for the last X years. There's been no visible progress whatsoever. I'm not expecting a running commentary from Scotland Yard, but Amaral had this case pretty much cracked in 3 and a half months, the strongest evidence coming from the British side of the operation. If you were to believe Blacksmith, we should be seeing arrests anytime soon, instead, what we're actually seeing is the entirely inconsequential extension of the investigation.

One shred of hope is that there has been almost no commentary from SY - leaving open the possibility that they have made progress building a case against the perpetrator(s), but are just keeping their cards very close to their chest. But this is a very faint hope.

I prefer to look at things as a list of established facts. We know, for example, that the McCanns have utilised PR agencies. We know, also, that the McCanns have been very savvy in using the media to their advantage.

Blacksmith is right to say that the article in the Sun represents a change - previously, a claim that MM had died in the apartment would never have been allowed to surface in any newspaper article (even comments to this affect were removed) - however, the underlying narrative remains the same - that the McCanns are the victims here, not the culprits. All that's changed is that the threat of libel has been removed, and rags like the Sun can now print what is deemed more "outrageous" and get away with it without the risk of it costing them a lengthy libel trial.

As for where this case goes next - IMO, the 6 month extension is simply to cover the 10 year anniversary. There will be a big push between now and the beginning of May, and the McCanns want to maintain their narrative through and past May for one last pay day, at which point I think they'll fade away in to the sunset.

by **Jill Havern** 19.03.17 22:21

Gonçalo Amaral: "Justice works in silence."

He's been silent for so long now, but he knows he needs to talk.

And he will when the time is right.

The McCanns may try to fade away into the sunset, but if they want to retain their innocent image then they'll have to respond.

It's Amaral's turn next.

No one can expect Amaral to just take on the chin what the McCanns have done to him and his family.

I don't believe he wants revenge, but he will want justice.

by phil_burton 19.03.17 22:29

Get'emGonçalo wrote:Gonçalo Amaral: "Justice works in silence."

He's been silent for so long now, but he knows he needs to talk.

And he will when the time is right.

The McCanns may try to fade away into the sunset, but if they want to retain their innocent image then they'll have to respond.

It's Amaral's turn next.

No one can expect Amaral to just take on the chin what the McCanns have done to him and his family.

I don't believe he wants revenge, but he will want justice.

All those points are fair points.

You have to question whether GA has the apetite for another battle. He's an old man now - he probably suspects the powers at play in this case cannot be beaten by the whole of Portugal, never mind one man.

Justice does work in silence...

But here's a saying for you...

"Pick your battles"

Both the McCanns and Amaral would probably prefer this case to go away now, the McCanns cannot afford another lenthy legal battle, and I'd be surprise if GA wants one.

The 6 month extension to the case is peculiar - why 6 months? Why £8x,000? What then?

by **Jill Havern** 19.03.17 22:49

I'm not sure that Amaral would want a lengthy legal battle either, but at some point he has to get his money and assets back.

He has to rebuild his shattered life.

Rebuilding his shattered reputation would be helpful to him too.

He doesn't have to go into battle with the McCanns to do any of that - he can ignore them while he goes about his life and business. He's as sick to death of them as we all are.

He's been busy writing a new book. Life goes on and justice works in silence. He will get his book published and the McCanns will have their hissy fits in the Sun in a different country.

He knows he's got the loyal support of thousands of people who would willingly donate to another GoFundMe if necessary, to help him get back on his feet.

Not sure he would want that though. But he knows he's got a world-wide 'audience' who are watching and waiting and willing him to get back on his feet.

by sandancer 19.03.17 23:03

Get'emGonçalo wrote:I'm not sure that Amaral would want a lengthy legal battle either, but at some point he has to get his money and assets back.

He has to rebuild his shattered life.

Rebuilding his shattered reputation would be helpful to him too.

He doesn't have to go into battle with the McCanns to do any of that - he can ignore them while he goes about his life and business. He's as sick to death of them as we all are.

He's been busy writing a new book. Life goes on and justice works in silence. He will get his book published and the McCanns will have their hissy fits in the Sun in a different country.

He knows he's got the loyal support of thousands of people who would willingly donate to another GoFundMe if necessary, to help him get back on his feet.

Not sure he would want that though. But he knows he's got a world-wide 'audience' who are watching and waiting and willing him to get back on his feet.

Beautifully said Jill .

Mr Amaral is a gentleman , and throughout all has conducted himself with unfailing dignity . Something the McCanns will never have .

He and his family deserve some peace and chance to rebuild their lives together .

Whatever he decides to do he knows the good wishes and support are there for him .

by Verdi 19.03.17 23:12

phil_burton wrote:
He seemed to have some inside knowledge in to the case in some of the early blogs I read, which tends to encourage you to trust what he says.

I think that's what the blacksmith bureau wants you to think. If it had inside knowledge it wouldn't have taken so many twists and turns over the years - nor would it laud malicious delusionists and other self professed know-it-alls and let's face it, that's precisely what it does do.

It's a riddler pure and simple.

by **Jill Havern** 19.03.17 23:18

sandancer wrote:
Get'emGonçalo wrote:I'm not sure that Amaral would want a lengthy legal battle either, but at some point he has to get his money and assets back.

He has to rebuild his shattered life.

Rebuilding his shattered reputation would be helpful to him too.

He doesn't have to go into battle with the McCanns to do any of that - he can ignore them while he goes about his life and business. He's as sick to death of them as we all are.

He's been busy writing a new book. Life goes on and justice works in silence. He will get his book published and the McCanns will have their hissy fits in the Sun in a different country.

He knows he's got the loyal support of thousands of people who would willingly donate to another GoFundMe if necessary, to help him get back on his feet.

Not sure he would want that though. But he knows he's got a world-wide 'audience' who are watching and waiting and willing him to get back on his feet.

Beautifully said Jill .

Mr Amaral is a gentleman , and throughout all has conducted himself with unfailing dignity . Something the McCanns will never have .

He and his family deserve some peace and chance to rebuild their lives together .

Whatever he decides to do he knows the good wishes and support are there for him .

Thank you sandancer.

But then there's the problem about Madeleine and what to do about her.

If the McCanns fade away into the sunset to enjoy the money they've made out of their daughter's death, what happens about Madeleine?

Do we just leave justice for her dangling? How do we finish the task in hand? Maddie's been a part of our lives, too, for almost ten years and we never even knew her. But getting to the truth of what happened to her is like an obsession. We're here every day, digging around for pieces of the jigsaw.

It just can't be allowed to happen that the death of a three year old child is covered up.

The McCanns have done as much as they can to prevent the truth coming out.

So have four Prime Ministers.

So have the police.

So have all the newspapers and tv channels.

The whole lot of them are disgusting.

The Portuguese Police were never allowed to finish their investigation, goodness only knows what DCI Nicola Wall is doing.

So....what about Madeleine?

by Joss 20.03.17 1:08

Get'emGonçalo wrote:I'm not sure that Amaral would want a lengthy legal battle either, but at some point he has to get his money and assets back.

He has to rebuild his shattered life.

Rebuilding his shattered reputation would be helpful to him too.

He doesn't have to go into battle with the McCanns to do any of that - he can ignore them while he goes about his life and business. He's as sick to death of them as we all are.

He's been busy writing a new book. Life goes on and justice works in silence. He will get his book published and the McCanns will have their hissy fits in the Sun in a different country.

He knows he's got the loyal support of thousands of people who would willingly donate to another GoFundMe if necessary, to help him get back on his feet.

Not sure he would want that though. But he knows he's got a world-wide 'audience' who are watching and waiting and willing him to get back on his feet.

What about the huge legal bill the McC's have to pay now they lost their libel case? Didn't Goncalo get money from that for pain & suffering yet?

by Joss 20.03.17 1:18

Get'emGonçalo wrote:
sandancer wrote:
Get'emGonçalo wrote:I'm not sure that Amaral would want a lengthy legal battle either, but at some point he has to get his money and assets back.

He has to rebuild his shattered life.

Rebuilding his shattered reputation would be helpful to him too.

He doesn't have to go into battle with the McCanns to do any of that - he can ignore them while he goes about his life and business. He's as sick to death of them as we all are.

He's been busy writing a new book. Life goes on and justice works in silence. He will get his book published and the McCanns will have their hissy fits in the Sun in a different country.

He knows he's got the loyal support of thousands of people who would willingly donate to another GoFundMe if necessary, to help him get back on his feet.

Not sure he would want that though. But he knows he's got a world-wide 'audience' who are watching and waiting and willing him to get back on his feet.

Beautifully said Jill .

Mr Amaral is a gentleman , and throughout all has conducted himself with unfailing dignity . Something the McCanns will never have .

He and his family deserve some peace and chance to rebuild their lives together .

Whatever he decides to do he knows the good wishes and support are there for him .
Thank you sandancer.

But then there's the problem about Madeleine and what to do about her.

If the McCanns fade away into the sunset to enjoy the money they've made out of their daughter's death, what happens about Madeleine?

Do we just leave justice for her dangling? How do we finish the task in hand? Maddie's been a part of our lives, too, for almost ten years and we never even knew her. But getting to the truth of what happened to her is like an obsession. We're here every day, digging around for pieces of the jigsaw.

It just can't be allowed to happen that the death of a three year old child is covered up.

The McCanns have done as much as they can to prevent the truth coming out.

So have four Prime Ministers.

So have the police.

So have all the newspapers and tv channels.

The whole lot of them are disgusting.

The Portuguese Police were never allowed to finish their investigation, goodness only knows what DCI Nicola Wall is doing.

So....what about Madeleine?

Re your question, i think like any other missing person case if there is nothing new and no further leads in a case to find out what happened to the missing person it goes to Cold Case status and is filed until anything new might be found to further find out what happened. And after 10 years that is exactly what Maddie's case is, a cold case.

by **Jill Havern** 20.03.17 7:41

Joss wrote:
Get'emGonçalo wrote:I'm not sure that Amaral would want a lengthy legal battle either, but at some point he has to get his money and assets back.

He has to rebuild his shattered life.

Rebuilding his shattered reputation would be helpful to him too.

He doesn't have to go into battle with the McCanns to do any of that - he can ignore them while he goes about his life and business. He's as sick to death of them as we all are.

He's been busy writing a new book. Life goes on and justice works in silence. He will get his book published and the McCanns will have their hissy fits in the Sun in a different country.

He knows he's got the loyal support of thousands of people who would willingly donate to another GoFundMe if necessary, to help him get back on his feet.

Not sure he would want that though. But he knows he's got a world-wide 'audience' who are watching and waiting and willing him to get back on his feet.
What about the huge legal bill the McC's have to pay now they lost their libel case? Didn't Goncalo get money from that for pain & suffering yet?

Not yet.

by Joss 20.03.17 10:32

Get'emGonçalo wrote:
Joss wrote:
Get'emGonçalo wrote:I'm not sure that Amaral would want a lengthy legal battle either, but at some point he has to get his money and assets back.

He has to rebuild his shattered life.

Rebuilding his shattered reputation would be helpful to him too.

He doesn't have to go into battle with the McCanns to do any of that - he can ignore them while he goes about his life and business. He's as sick to death of them as we all are.

He's been busy writing a new book. Life goes on and justice works in silence. He will get his book published and the McCanns will have their hissy fits in the Sun in a different country.

He knows he's got the loyal support of thousands of people who would willingly donate to another GoFundMe if necessary, to help him get back on his feet.

Not sure he would want that though. But he knows he's got a world-wide 'audience' who are watching and waiting and willing him to get back on his feet.
What about the huge legal bill the McC's have to pay now they lost their libel case? Didn't Goncalo get money from that for pain & suffering yet?

Not yet.

Thanks for your reply. I wonder how long it will take for that to happen seeing as the case is final as far as Portugal is concerned?