McCanns win Branson’s backing

Sep 18 2007 by Liam Christopher, Liverpool Daily Post

Kate and Gerry McCann return to England from Portugal (Pic: Rui Vieira/Pool/PA Wire) (158)

MULTI-MILLIONAIRE Sir Richard Branson said yesterday he would be donating £100,000 to the McCanns’ legal costs because he "trusted them implicitly" and wanted to ensure they had a fair trial if they were brought before a Portuguese court.

Sir Richard, who has spoken to the parents of missing Madeleine McCann on several occasions, said: "I wouldn’t have got involved if I didn’t feel good about them.

"I trust them implicitly and I can’t think of anyone I know who’s had a worse time."

Explaining his decision, the entrepreneur and social campaigner, said: "I think they need proper representation and support.

"I want to make sure they have the chance for their side of the story to be fairly told if they ever go to court, particularly in Portugal where they’ve already been tried by innuendo in the media.

"It’s going to be tough for them to get a fair trial and they need all the help they can get."

Sir Richard confirmed he was in talks with other wealthy people to encourage them to contribute to a legal fund as well, and said at least one other anonymous donor was signed up already.

"I’m speaking to several people and hopefully there’ll be others helping with the legal costs," he said.

"One or two have already committed on an off-the-record basis."

* CLARENCE MITCHELL has been appointed spokesman for the family of Madeleine McCann, it was announced yesterday.

Mr Mitchell is in the process of resigning from his current post as director of the Central Office of Information’s media monitoring unit and should be in place within the next 24 hours, said an interim spokeswoman for Gerry and Kate McCann.

The couple, who have been made formal suspects in the disappearance of their four-year- old daughter, were set to hold more meetings with advisers today.

Mr Mitchell will be moving between the couple’s home in Rothley and London as they prepare their legal case this week, said the spokeswoman, during a briefing in the Leicestershire village this morning.

He was sent to Portugal by the Foreign Office as chief adviser to the McCanns shortly after their daughter was reported missing, before his return to the UK in June.

It is understood that part of Mr Mitchell’s new brief will involve studying the Portuguese press, following concerns from members of the family about a series of recent negative newspaper reports.