General Chat

OMG how scary just shows it happends any where, Lilxx

I think that it would be naive to assume that these terrible crimes occur only in certain countries, sadly there are some very well documented convictions in Portugal. I will echo everyone's sentiments on here and hope that she is returned unharmed.

I understand where you were coming from now Roxanne. I wouldn't argue with the fact that it is more common here than in Portugal but I was reacting to your comment ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 'This is something Alien to them, Its a country where they dont get Child abusers or child sex offenders and when they do there usually British!!' I felt the need to point out that no country is free of native paedophiles it seemed from your comment above that you were saying that Portugal was. Thanks for clarifying xx

I think you're all being very harsh - but maybe it's an age thing. 20 years ago or so my husband and I were in Portugal with our 18month old daughter and we left her in our hotel room, locked in, while we went to the bar. We checked her every 20 minutes and knew anyway she was a sound sleeper so weren't worried about her waking up. When we went to restaurants we took her with us and the young boy-waiters played with her while we ate. What I'm trying to say is the Portuguese are lovely and if this was a kidnapping then it was done to order and that little girl would have disappeared anyway. What about that poor child taken from her bath 2 yrs ago? What about Ben Needham who disappeared in Crete and would be 17 now? He was close by his grandmother when he was taken. Let's hope Maddie turns up soon.

Sorry but leaving three kids under five in a room out of the earshot of their parents in a foreign country IS irresponsible. People shout their faces off and say if you feel kids are at risk you must speak out. Believe me had I been at that resort and knew parents were leaving kids so young unsupervised with only half hourly checks I would have called the police. Childs safety is paramount. Let's hope this ridiculous practise stops here now before any other child falls victim.xx

up till now ive not really had an opinion,i would just want her back safe. the question was would i leave mine alone under the same circumstances,the answer is no. as i dont know what the situation was with the parents,i cannot answer about blame. except to say i do blame the creep that has her,and death is far to kind for him.xx

That's fair enough Joyous. I'm sure everyone would agree that Maddy's return is the most important thing here. Fingers crossed it happens really soonxx

I am with you Muffy. It should not have happened in the first place.Anything could have happened. I do feel sorry for the parents, they must be going through hell. Hopefully she will be found safe and well. Marion

Leave them in a room full of mothers eh Joy? I agree hon. Longer it goes on though the bleaker it looks. I am devastated for the poor little thing xx

muff you know me im all for bringing back hanging for paedophiles.i blame them for the weather change.i have not a jot of understanding or sympathy for them. i keep thinking about maddie.im praying she returns safe.but she will have many hills to climb if she comes back.actually no....WHEN SHE COMES BACK.XXX

There is no law that determines the minimum age that a child can be left alone. However, there is a law about neglecting children and you are legally responsible for the safety of your child. Babies and young children should never be left on their own, however tempting it may seem when a child is asleep and you only plan to be out for a while. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) gives the following advice about leaving children alone: Never leave babies or young children home alone (whether sleeping or awake), not even for a few minutes. Until the age of about 13 most children are not mature enough to cope with an emergency and should not be left alone for more than a very short time. If children do have to be alone, give them clear instructions about what to do if there is a problem. Leave a list of people you trust who they can go to or telephone for help, such as a neighbour or close relative. And remember to put all obvious dangers out of reach before you go (eg. medicines, chemicals, matches or sharp objects). No child or young person under 16 should be left alone overnight. (Taken from Home alone: Advice for parents, published free by the NSPCC leaflet no. 0279).

Leaving children at home A babysitting course can help prepare older siblings for looking after young ones Parents often wonder when it is safe to leave a child unsupervised at home, or at what age an older child can babysit a younger one. What does the law say? English law does not specify an age when a child can be left unsupervised. However, parents may be prosecuted for neglect if they leave a child alone “in a manner which is likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health” (Children and Young Persons Act, 1933). The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) advises that no child should be left alone under the age of twelve, or overnight under the age of sixteen. Even a short stretch without a parent or another adult around can be distressing and lonely for a young child. Most eight to thirteen year olds, even if they feel happy about being left, may not be ready to cope in an emergency. Can I leave my baby alone for a short while? Never leave a baby or toddler alone, even for a few minutes. There are many dangers in a house for an unsupervised child. Leaving a child who is asleep is not a good idea, either - he may wake up and try to come looking for you. Also, being alone in the dark can be terrifying for a small child.

well said muffy Rosex

Thanks Rose. Seems like common sense to me though xx

found on another website Jorge Vieira, Portugal / 4:05am 7 May 2007 I only hope they find the child. What happenned can only be described as a tragedy. However, as a Portuguese, and knowing how things work in my country, I'm very very sorry that it takes an abduction of a foreigner to have all this fuss. Children disappear every day, both in Portugal and all over the world, that is a fact, but NEVER in my (short) life, I've seen 150 police officers (!!!) working 24/7 on a missing child case and all this fuss. Never a missing child case has been in the frontpage of a newspaper or as leading news on the television. After leaving two 2y/o and one 3y/o ALONE in the room, the last thing they should do is criticise the police! What kind of irresponsable parents can they be? Never my parents left me alone to go out to dinner with friends!!! (no matter how close they were or how many times they were checking on the kids) If it were a PT couple, they would probably have the social security all over them by now. but hey, they're foreigners

Heres Hoping maddie has a safe return Rosexxx

Amen and goodnight xx

we all hope she is returned save and unharmed but as each day goes by, maddie gets taken further away....

it's very sad because they got live with this for the rest of their lives..

any updates?