I grew up in Australia and the case in some ways reminds me of the Chamberlain baby that was supposedly abducted by a dingo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azaria_..._disappearance). I have a feeling that this is going to be another one of those that we never really know the full truth about

Please, please, spare us Meryl Streep attempting Estuary English.

you're not an accent snob are you?

Oh gosh yes, absolutely I am.

However the reference here is to the movie A Cry in the Dark. My partner and her step-sister watched it as children. It seems to have traumatised them as they now greet each other with cries of "da dingo ate mah babeee" in imitation of Ms. Streep's ghastly parody of an Australian accent. One of the worst performances in a mainstream film of all time I should imagine.

I never watched it. I understand she did quite well from it though - best actress at Cannes and a couple of Acedemy award nominations.

I wonder if you can still rent the movie? Perhaps the McCann's had a copy of it in their luggage?

We need not rent it. We have the video cassette! zip will have it though, they've got most everything.

Of course he bloody well is old chap.

But Meryl Streep's famous for bad accents, isn't she? Out of Africa is a particular favourite, playing the Danish Karen Blixen - "I had a faaaarm in Africaaaaa"

Lowering the tone of the cultural references a bit, some may remember that Oz's band in Buffy the Vampire Slayer was called "Dingoes Ate My Baby."

Thats my point, it is illegal to leave under high school aged children alone, they still have 2 other children, they should be investigated. Being niave just doesn't cut it, they are both professional adults, one of whom a GP who should had undergone child protection training as part of that role, I mean they have a duty to report suspected child protection concerns. They have to know what they are.

I may sound harsh, but if they hadn't left her she would not have gone missing (if indeed she has).

You still have a VIDEO recorder? How VERY working class.
"Take the boy! Take the boy!"

Actually it's a combination TV and video player and it has rabbit ears. otraynor brought it from America. I don't think you can get them here.

Hey, we got 3 of them. (the cat we got one of).

They may not be, or they may be. I didnt say 'live on unemployment benefit'. Lots of working class people get benefits if they are working on a low wage

I don't know about Portugal but in England..............



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.

What about older children?

IAge alone is not a sufficient guide as to when children can be safely left at home. Some children over twelve may seem mature enough, but may not be able to cope in the event of an emergency.

If you are trying to assess your child’s readiness to be at home alone, discuss the possibility with them and listen to their reactions - do they look forward to the idea, or are they hesitant about it? It is also helpful if you observe reactions to daily situations - do they rely on you to plan their every minute, or do they enjoy planning their own time? Do they panic when the unexpected happens?

Hitting the headlines again, she is now being questioned as as suspect