Pro-McCann 'Sun' journalist Neil Syson was once suspended for several weeks

by **Tony Bennett** 29.06.10 19:43

Stephen Brook, press correspondent
MediaGuardian, Tuesday 25 July 2006 16.43 BST
Article history

Veteran Sun reporter Neil Syson has returned to the newspaper after his suspension was lifted.

Syson was suspended from the tabloid several weeks ago for reasons the newspaper refused to disclose.

After a disciplinary hearing, Syson's suspension was immediately lifted and the reporter, who has worked at the paper for 18 years, was asked back to work.

The hearing found that no action should be taken against Syson. He returned to work on July 17.

The deputy news editor, Simon Young, who was suspended over a separate incident, has resigned from the Sun.

The Sun refused to comment.

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by Judge Mental 29.06.10 20:24

It must have been something very serious for The Sun to suspend somebody for such a long time. Pro-McCann 'Sun' journalist Neil Syson was once suspended for several weeks 234726

Pro-McCann 'Sun' journalist Neil Syson was once suspended for several weeks 234726

by pudsgirl 29.06.10 20:51

Who's Neil Syson? Is he something to do with the Madeleine case?

by **Tony Bennett** 29.06.10 21:10

Judge Mental wrote:It must have been something very serious for The Sun to suspend somebody for such a long time.

That, I think, is very true, Judge M.

He wouldn't have been sacked for making stories up or doing what Rupert Murdoch told his Editor to write, would it?

pudsgirl wrote:Who's Neil Syson? Is he something to do with the Madeleine case?

For the record, Neil Syson was the author of this:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2934362/Wannabe-UKIP-MP-a-Maddie-sicko.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=News

and also the author of this:

"FRAUD cops are probing the bank account of a campaign group which says Maddie McCann is dead - and aims to blame her parents.

Controversial lawyer Tony Bennett helped set up the Madeleine Foundation, but its account is now frozen.

Detectives want assurances over tens of thousands of pounds sent in by people supporting his warped aims.

Bennett, 62, ran the account from his home in Harlow, Essex.

Much of the cash came from the sale of '4 books blaming the McCanns after the three-year-old vanished in Portugal in 2007.

The couple think many people may have mistakenly donated believing they were funding the hunt for Maddie.

The account holds £2,700 but Mr Bennett is thought to have £90,000 in private accounts.

A rift had developed between Bennett and foundation chairwoman Debbie Butler. Police stressed the case was still only an investigation and no arrests had been made.

A source close to Gerry and Kate McCann said: "This foundation is now in meltdown. They can't wait to see the end of it."

P.S. Even to reproduce that article eight months later still hurts, especially as the police still refuse to make any decisions on the case. I have the comfort of knowing, however, due to my recent complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, that the hold-up appears to be on the orders of a special 'McCann Unit' at the heart of Crown Prosecution Service H.Q. It's a funny old world at times

by pudsgirl 29.06.10 21:40

I remember that article and I'm sorry Helene copped it.

I really don't understand the relevance of Syson being suspended and then reinstated.

When was he suspended and when did he return? And why is that interesting?

Sorry to sound dumb Pro-McCann 'Sun' journalist Neil Syson was once suspended for several weeks 90835

Pro-McCann 'Sun' journalist Neil Syson was once suspended for several weeks 90835

by **Tony Bennett** 29.06.10 23:00

pudsgirl wrote:I remember that article and I'm sorry Helene copped it.

I really don't understand the relevance of Syson being suspended and then reinstated.

When was he suspended and when did he return? And why is that interesting?

Sorry to sound dumb.

Syson's two pieces, quoted above, both represent grave distortions, if not actual libel. He wrote them and has spoken to me four times, each time looking to run a piece slating the work of The Madeleine Foundation.

It is legitimate therefore to examine his own track record.

by Laffin Assasin 30.06.10 0:16

I had to laugh when "Ginger ninga and gullible pratt" heaved up at the Indy offices for a "rumble" Pro-McCann 'Sun' journalist Neil Syson was once suspended for several weeks 742129

Pro-McCann 'Sun' journalist Neil Syson was once suspended for several weeks 742129

How "bright" are the "Lightbulbs" ? Running on 40 watts if you want my opinion.

May I remind you all, ginger ninga, beat Grant Mitchell to a pulp, she was arrested for it. Pro-McCann 'Sun' journalist Neil Syson was once suspended for several weeks Lol

It's good to set an example, isn't it, My SUN Pro-McCann 'Sun' journalist Neil Syson was once suspended for several weeks Lol

by Laffin Assasin 30.06.10 0:28

Judge Mental wrote:It must have been something very serious for The Sun to suspend somebody for such a long time.

As we all know, the SUN don't have a problem with telling outright lies, do you think it's possible the senior guy had to bite the dust for the orders he may or may not have given ?

It makes one look at "Andy Coulson" in a different light, didn't a couple of folks get sent to jail over his tenure at the "Murdoch press" ? Pro-McCann 'Sun' journalist Neil Syson was once suspended for several weeks 234726

All good "musings", what what ? Pro-McCann 'Sun' journalist Neil Syson was once suspended for several weeks 742129

by Laffin Assasin 30.06.10 0:30

pudsgirl wrote:Who's Neil Syson? Is he something to do with the Madeleine case?

It appears that he's up for the "Lori Campbell" journo of the year award, do keep up at the back of the class. Pro-McCann 'Sun' journalist Neil Syson was once suspended for several weeks 110921

Pro-McCann 'Sun' journalist Neil Syson was once suspended for several weeks 110921

by Laffin Assasin 30.06.10 0:34

pudsgirl wrote:I remember that article and I'm sorry Helene copped it.

I really don't understand the relevance of Syson being suspended and then reinstated.

When was he suspended and when did he return? And why is that interesting?

Sorry to sound dumb

It's difficult sometimes to catch up with the "minor" players, but one must read and learn, fact checking seems to have "walked" with the UK media !!

by Laffin Assasin 30.06.10 0:35

Tony Bennett wrote:
pudsgirl wrote:I remember that article and I'm sorry Helene copped it.

I really don't understand the relevance of Syson being suspended and then reinstated.

When was he suspended and when did he return? And why is that interesting?

Sorry to sound dumb.
Syson's two pieces, quoted above, both represent grave distortions, if not actual libel. He wrote them and has spoken to me four times, each time looking to run a piece slating the work of The Madeleine Foundation.

It is legitimate therefore to examine his own track record.

Can you sue him, Tony ?

by **Tony Bennett** 30.06.10 9:32

Laffin Assasin wrote:Can you sue him [Neil Syson], Tony?

First of all, if anyone were to be sued, it would be 'The Sun' as the newspaper that published the article that would be sued, not Neil Syson as an individual.

Now I'll examine the article 'The Sun' published on 7 November 2009 [date corrected - T.B.], with my comments in red underneath each sentence:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"FRAUD cops are probing the bank account of a campaign group which says Maddie McCann is dead - and aims to blame her parents.

Whether or not this statement is technically correct is currently under investigation by both the Independent Police Complaints Commission and the Press Complaints Commission.

What I do know is that by 10 November, Essex Police had indeed launched a formal investigation into alleged fraud by me in relation to the accounts of The Madeleine Foundation, led (so it seemed at the time) by a junior Detective Constable, Kirsten Chissell, who is a 'Fraud Officer'. What is not certain is whether they had already done so by the time 'The Sun' reported this on 7 November. The source of 'The Sun' story is clearly Ms Butler. It remains my contention that there was no credible basis for even beginning an investigation, a Sergeant in Kent Police (Sgt. Ryder) who first heard Ms Butler's account believing that wat she told him was false and motivated by malice. It has now become clear that Kirsten Chissell has been getting instructions from both her superiors and even from a special 'McCann Unit' within Crown Prosecution Service HQ. This means it is not a bona fide investigation. There are clearly now oher reasons why this so-called 'fraud investigation' has now lasted very nearly 8 months without resolution. I should add for the record that a qualified accountant has examined our books and bank statements etc. from top to bottom and inside out and is quite clear that there is no fraud revealed there.

See also below. The statement above: "A campaign group which says Maddie McCann is dead - and aims to blame her parents" is not how we would put it, we have never so far as I know on the record gone so far as to say the parents 'killed' Madeleine, but of course in the past we have said that there is evidence that she died in the McCanns' apartment and that there has been a cover-up of that fact.

Controversial lawyer Tony Bennett helped set up the Madeleine Foundation, but its account is now frozen.

True.

Detectives want assurances over tens of thousands of pounds sent in by people supporting his warped aims.

'Sun' spin. That is NOT what detectives were and have been investigating. 'Warped'?

Bennett, 62, ran the account from his home in Harlow, Essex.

Not true. The bank account was in fact held at the Maistone branch of our bank in Kent, Ms Butler's own bank.

Much of the cash came from the sale of 4 books blaming the McCanns after the three-year-old vanished in Portugal in 2007.

True, except that I don't know where the '4 books' comes from. There was only one at that time.

The couple think many people may have mistakenly donated believing they were funding the hunt for Maddie.

I can categorically say that this never, ever, happened. There was on our old website and is on our new website a prominent 'disclaimer ' notice which makes it as plain as a pikestaff that we have nothing whatsoever to do with the McCanns' fund-raising activities and their campaigns.

The account holds £2,700 but Mr Bennett is thought to have £90,000 in private accounts.

The source of this is Ms Butler. In the confidential e-mails and meetings we had with Kirwans, Kirwans wanted to know about our respective income and savings (it's something Solicitors always want to know for the most obvious of reasons). I made an honest disclosure of my life savings to them, in front of Ms Butler. I did not think in a million years that Ms Butler woud disclose this confidential information to the workd nor did I think that she and 'The Sun' would maliciously further twist this to suggest that I had secrelty been diverting money intended to help Madeleine into my private bank accounts. Goodness knows who read that article and what they must have thought. I do have a current complaint in about that to the Press Complaints Commission.

A rift had developed between Bennett and foundation chairwoman Debbie Butler. Police stressed the case was still only an investigation and no arrests had been made.

Well, no. Ms Butler acted in a wholly unpredictable manner after our visit to Kirwans on 2 October. Why, I have yet to find out.

A source close to Gerry and Kate McCann said: "This foundation is now in meltdown. They can't wait to see the end of it."

Wishful thinking...and wrong.

by MR.D 30.06.10 13:46

Tony

I am sure you are aware of the way Hollie Greigs campaign has been infiltrated by people with the aim of derailing the campaign. The tactics used are rather familiar. For example supporting the cause to the extent of setting up websites and even publicising the case, only to then do a complete U-turn and use information gained in confidence to undermine the campaign and discredit those pursuing justice for an innocent girl.

http://www.paltelegraph.com/columnists/peter-eyre/6506-hollie-greig-case-shropshire-police-and-council-get-dirty

It does seem as if Robert Green is making some progress and he, like you, has had a hate campaign waged against him, as he seeks justice for Hollie.

Curious how Anna Racoon is a favourite of those that oppose justice for Hollie and Madeleine.

by Rainbow 30.06.10 18:15

I dont believe anybody opposes justice for Madeleine,some people just see things differently is all.

by Autumn 01.07.10 10:37

Rainbow wrote:I dont believe anybody opposes justice for Madeleine,some people just see things differently is all.

So how do you see things Rainbow? What do you think should be done to achieve justice for Madeleine?

by Rainbow 01.07.10 11:37

I really dont know Autumn,I wish I did.TBH I dont know what to think,I dont believe they are as bad as people paint them though.I think the case should be re-opened with an independant investigative body who will look at all the evidence objectively.

by Judge Mental 01.07.10 12:56

Rainbow wrote:I really dont know Autumn,I wish I did.TBH I dont know what to think,I dont believe they are as bad as people paint them though.I think the case should be re-opened with an independant investigative body who will look at all the evidence objectively.

Pro-McCann 'Sun' journalist Neil Syson was once suspended for several weeks 259100

Rainbow, would you also agree that it would be most useful if each Tapas member was forced to make a return to Portugal and walk through their own individual time-line as written down in their personal statement to the police? This would surely save many hundreds of thousands of pounds.

by Rainbow 01.07.10 23:49

I am not sure that would help 3 years down the line.Memory is a tricky thing at the best of times and after the millions of words and opinions written about this case who knows what effect that would have on their perception of events now.

by Guest 01.07.10 23:58

Rainbow wrote:I am not sure that would help 3 years down the line.Memory is a tricky thing at the best of times and after the millions of words and opinions written about this case who knows what effect that would have on their perception of events now.

Memory is a tricky thing, however when something of great magnitude happens it is slightly different. You tend to remember every single detail of that day. My mom died a few weeks ago, and everything I did and said and where I was will be forever etched on my mind. You cannot forget - it will not go away. The old cliche that everyone knows what they were doing and where they were when JFK was assassinated is true.

by **Tony Bennett** 02.07.10 8:36

Rainbow wrote:I am not sure that would help 3 years down the line. Memory is a tricky thing at the best of times and after the millions of words and opinions written about this case who knows what effect that would have on their perception of events now.

In a case I have been involved with for some time, an inquest was eventually held after nearly 6 years. The enquiry into Bloody Sunday took place 30 years after those events. Things were definitely learnt in both cases. There must be a public inquest or inquiry into Madeleine's disappearance.

You wrote:"... who knows what effect that would have on their perception?"

Shouldn't that be

"who knows what effect that would have on their recollection?

by Judge Mental 02.07.10 22:16

Rainbow wrote:I am not sure that would help 3 years down the line.Memory is a tricky thing at the best of times and after the millions of words and opinions written about this case who knows what effect that would have on their perception of events now.

******************************************************************************

@ Rainbow .................. One only has to look at some of MI5's preferred methods to see that it is quite amazing what people are able to remember when they are asked in a more forceful way. Indeed, such methods have proven that the most hardened prisoners and spies are able to recall the most enormously vivid memories of past events.

When we consider that a child or child's body is still missing after three years, we have to demand that key witnesses and suspects are sent back to Portugal and questioned again.

Do not allow yourself to be concerned as to whether or not their perceptions of events have been affected by what has been written in the newspapers or on the internet. They will all be allowed to refer to their initial statements, which incidentally, were written down at the earliest opportunity when everything was fresh in their minds.

The very interesting hand-written copies of time-lines provided the group's immediate recollections, and it gives me a jolly good idea of the group's perception of events at that time. One recalls that great care was taken in the preparation of the time-line by the group.

Of course, it is a grave pity that later events and police questioning caused revisions of the time-line, but we should not allow that to colour our judgement Pro-McCann 'Sun' journalist Neil Syson was once suspended for several weeks 742129