Claudia Lawrence

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Claudia-Lawrence-Missing-Chef-Spent-Night-With-Mystery-Man-Before-She-Disappeared-Say-Police/Article/201003315576112?lpos=UK_News_Top_Stories_Header_3&lid=ARTICLE_15576112_Claudia_Lawrence%3A_Missing_Chef_Spent_Night_With_Mystery_Man_Before_She_Disappeared_Say_Police

Why did this colleague only just come forward with that information that Claudia had spent the night with a boyfriend 2 days before she went missing

Hopefully it will lead to something

From The Times May 7, 2010

Father of Claudia Lawrence calls for review of police investigation

(North Yorkshire Police/PA)


Claudia Lawrence with her father Peter
Sean O'Neill, Crime Editor Recommend? (1) The father of Claudia Lawrence, the chef who went missing 14 months ago and is feared murdered, called yesterday for an independent review of the police investigation into her disappearance.

Peter Lawrence claimed that police were no closer to finding his daughter than they were in March last year when she was last seen walking home from work at the University of York.

Mr Lawrence, 63, a solicitor, said that he and the public were losing faith in North Yorkshire Police, which has spent £600,000 on the inquiry, and accused those on the case of having a “bunker mentality”. The force had requested a second review of the investigation by the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) but Mr Lawrence said that amounted to “the police policing the police”.

Mr Lawrence’s criticisms are the latest blow for the North Yorkshire force. Its two most senior officers, Chief Constable Grahame Maxwell, and his deputy Adam Briggs, are under investigation for allegedly helping relatives to get jobs in a force recruitment exercise. Mr Briggs is also being investigated for the alleged use of a work computer to view “inappropriate” material.

Related Links
Father walks missing daughter's route to work
Police begin fresh search for Claudia Lawrence
Police inquiries into the “suspected murder” of Ms Lawrence, 35, have centred on what police have described as her complex private life.

But Mr Lawrence called for a fresh approach. “Although the police continue to keep in touch with the family, they have developed a bunker mentality whereby they are not engaging with either the public or the media,” he said.

“I have received numerous communications from both public and media via findclaudia.co.uk over the last 13 months which I have always passed on to the police. Many of them have found that when they phone the police, attitudes towards them are, among other things, ‘uncivil, rude, abrupt and dismissive’, to quote a recent report to the police authority.” Mr Lawrence also expressed doubts about the decision to call in the NPIA to review the case again. It looked at the case last year and was said to have produced an “extremely positive” report.

Mr Lawrence said: “Their reports are only made public if the Chief Constable wants them to be, which is unsatisfactory. What is really needed now is an urgent independent inquiry with a public report.”

Detective Superintendent Ray Galloway said the force had not received any complaints about officers being rude. “The force has voluntarily requested a further review of the investigation by the NPIA. This is due to take place in the near future.”

Call for 'urgent inquiry' in Claudia Lawrence case

Claudia Lawrence's disappearance is being treated as suspected murder
The man behind the press campaign to find missing chef Claudia Lawrence has called for an independent inquiry into how the case has been investigated.

Martin Dales, a friend of the chef's father, Peter, said the police had devoted huge resources to the inquiry, but were no closer to finding her.

Miss Lawrence was last seen leaving her workplace in York on 18 March 2009.

North Yorkshire Police said it was "disappointed" by Mr Dales' comments which were not Mr Lawrence's views.

Ch Supt Iain Spittal, chief of staff for North Yorkshire Police, said: "Mr Lawrence has recently been personally briefed by the senior investigating officer and expressed his satisfaction over the conduct and progress of the investigation.

"The investigation has been, and continues to be, a thorough, professional but challenging inquiry."

Further review

He said the force had asked the National Policing Improvement Agency (NIPA) for a second review of the case.

Mr Dales, who runs the Find Claudia website, said while this was welcomed, the NIPA reports were only made public with the authorisation of the chief constable, and further transparency was needed.

"What is really needed now is an urgent independent inquiry with a public report," he said.

"Nothing less will do and transparency is vital if trust is to be restored in North Yorkshire Police."

North Yorkshire Police said a NIPA review of the case in May 2009 described the inquiry as "very comprehensive and effective".

'Many calls'

Ch Supt Spittal said: "Many calls have been made to the incident room over the course of the past year and thousands of lines of inquiry developed.

"Due to the volume, it is not always possible to provide feedback on every call."

The disappearance of Miss Lawrence, who was 35 years old when she went missing, is being treated as suspected murder.

The investigation is one of the largest ever carried out by North Yorkshire Police and has so far cost more than £600,000.

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« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »View GalleryPublished Date: 07 May 2010
By Amy Murphy
THE father of missing chef Claudia Lawrence has called for an urgent independent inquiry into the police investigation of his daughter's disappearance and suspected murder.

Peter Lawrence, 63, said North Yorkshire Police had developed a "bunker mentality" and were failing to engage with members of the public, some of whom had found the force to be "rude, abrupt and dismissive" when contacting it with information.

De
ADVERTISEMENTtective Superintendent Ray Galloway, of North Yorkshire Police, said the force had received no complaints about its officers and announced it had voluntarily requested a review of the investigation by the National Policing Improvement Agency.

Ms Lawrence, who was 35 at the time of her disappearance, was last seen near her home in Heworth, York, on 18 March, 2009, and failed to arrive for her job as a chef at the University of York the following morning.

Yesterday, Mr Lawrence, a solicitor from Slingsby, North Yorkshire, said an independent inquiry and fresh personnel were needed.

A statement released by Mr Lawrence's spokesman Martin Dales said: "Over the past year, despite the great efforts of the police in devoting huge resources in terms of both police officers and support staff and spending over £600,000, we are clearly little further on in finding Claudia than on day one.

"Sadly, although the police continue to keep in touch with the family, they have developed a bunker mentality whereby they are not engaging with either the public or the media."

Just seen on the Sky ticker that the police have confirmed they have been searching a house 10 miles away from Claudia's home.
No news online yet.

wjk wrote:Just seen on the Sky ticker that the police have confirmed they have been searching a house 10 miles away from Claudia's home.
No news online yet.

Thanks wjk. Please report back if anything new comes up.

Anna, link now on Sky
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Claudia-Lawrence-Police-Hunting-For-Missing-York-Chef-Search-House-In-Recent-Development/Article/201005415638311?lpos=UK_News_Top_Stories_Header_4&lid=ARTICLE_15638311_Claudia_Lawrence%3A_Police_Hunting_For_Missing_York_Chef_Search_House_In_Recent_Development

wjk wrote:Anna, link now on Sky
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Claudia-Lawrence-Police-Hunting-For-Missing-York-Chef-Search-House-In-Recent-Development/Article/201005415638311?lpos=UK_News_Top_Stories_Header_4&lid=ARTICLE_15638311_Claudia_Lawrence%3A_Police_Hunting_For_Missing_York_Chef_Search_House_In_Recent_Development

Thank you wjk.

The search is thought to be over but police are giving no further
details.

I wonder if that means they found something significant. It must be one of the most awful things to happen when someone disappears without a trace. In my home town a little girl called Moira Anderson disappeared from a house just round the corner from my granny's house in the late 1950s. Her sister, who lives in Australia, has never given up hoping for some resolution to what happened.

http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/news/Village-Ellerton-shocked-search-Claudia-Lawrence/article-2220825-detail/article.html




Disbelief as search for missing Claudia focuses on bungalow in backwater








Missing: Claudia Lawrence

When the residents of Ellerton discovered police were searching a house in the village for missing Claudia Lawrence, they couldn't believe what they heard.
The sleepy East Yorkshire village became the latest centre of the massive manhunt for the York chef, who has not been seen for 15 months.
Police swooped on the village on Monday morning and began a two-day search of Willow Lodge, on the B1228 North Grange.
The bungalow is home to the Hunter household, which comprises two sons – both in their 20s.
TIN.adverts.adWriteDC('article-detail-impact-tile-top', '452x118');

The Mail understands one of the sons has had a friendship with Claudia although North Yorkshire Police would not confirm or deny this.
A spokesperson for the force has confirmed that a number of items were taken from the property for testing.
Around
20 officers have searched the bungalow and the adjoining land and an
underwater search team has scoured a culvert at the back of the
property.
Although the Mail tried to contact the family, they did not wish to comment.
However, a friend – who did not wish to be named – said the search had "caused a lot of upset".
They said the family are reluctant to return home because of the media attention.
Residents of the village described the Hunters as a "lovely family" and said they were shocked to see their home being searched.
They described seeing lots of police cars and vans arrive at the property, along with a digger.
A police helicopter could also be seen overhead.
However, yesterday there was no sign of the intense investigations which had been undertaken at the property.
Another resident said: "They are a very nice family and this is a dreadful thing for them.
"It seems like the police are just on a wild goose chase and I don't think the family has anything to do with it.
"They are lovely."
All
of the residents the Mail to described the village, which is home to
around 200 people, as quiet and peaceful, with a close-knit community.
One said: "When I saw it on the news I thought, 'It can't be here'.
"It is always so quiet and peaceful."
Police,
who made no arrests, said the search was a result of a "recent
development" in the investigation, but would not comment further.
Martin Dales, spokesman for Claudia's father Peter,
told the Mail: "It must be very difficult for people who have had their
houses turned over, but most people have been incredibly good about it.
"I imagine it is very unpleasant, but it is vital the police act on whatever intelligence they get.
"I
think people need to understand, and hopefully accept, the police need
to go on what they have. That is quite right and proper."
He said news of fresh searches were "distressing" for her father, especially when they appear to be fruitless.
"Hopes are raised and dashed, but they are an important part of solving the mystery of Claudia's disappearance.
"Peter
is very grateful the police are acting on whatever information they
have. It is such a complex matter, however, and can be frustrating for
everybody involved.
"It is just a big jigsaw puzzle that needs fitting together."

FATHER OF MISSING CLAUDIA LAWRENCE TO LOBBY MPS

Sunday February 27,2011
By James Murray and Tracey Kandohla


Solicitor Peter Lawrence, 64, wants politicians to consider granting a guardian-style status to rela


THE father of missing chef Claudia Lawrence will visit the Commons this week to ask MPs and Lords to consider how to help families of missing people.

Solicitor Peter Lawrence, 64, wants politicians to consider granting a guardian-style status to relatives so they can sort out their loved one’s financial affairs.

Claudia vanished in York in March 2009 and today , which is Claudia’s 37th birthday, a vigil will be held for her at York Minister, led by the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu. He will also ask people to remember Madeleine McCann and other missing people.

Mr Lawrence has had to deal with many financial problems on behalf of his daughter.

Through his work with the charity Missing People he knows of the problems faced by others in his situation.

On Tuesday he will address the all-party parliamentary group for runaway and missing children and adults .

Martin Dales, family friend and spokesman, said: “Peter was very able to deal with Claudia’s affairs, although he found it upsetting, because he is a solicitor but other families in this awful situation have all sorts of problems and stresses. Peter believes members of both Houses need to address the situation .

“One of the main issues is what happens to a mortgage when a person goes missing and who is responsible for it and the bills.

“Relatives who are emotionally drained and trying to deal with the sudden disappearance of a loved one then have to untangle complex financial issues, which can be daunting and worrying.

“Peter believes there should be a guardianship system to make life easier .”

Peter is divorced from Claudia’s mother Joan, who has spoken about how she is comforted by Kate McCann, whose daughter Madeleine vanished from the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz in Portugal in May 2007.

The two mothers, who share the same nightmare, have forged a close bond and hope to meet soon .

General practitioner Kate, 42, has written an eight-page letter to Joan in which she urged her to “stay strong”.

Joan, 66, deputy mayor of Malton, North Yorkshire, said Kate’s letter was “a huge comfort”.

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/231457/Father-of-missing-Claudia-Lawrence-to-lobby-MPsFather-of-missing-Claudia-Lawrence-to-lobby-MPs#ixzz1FBcoBjqa

Thanks lifl.

As usual Kate McCann made sure the press knew about her letter in order to gain some cheap, tacky publicity, and further their greedy aims. It makes me sick watching them leap onto all these vulnerable people's backs.

lifeisforliving wrote:
The two mothers, who share the same nightmare, have forged a close bond and hope to meet soon .

Say what?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1361173/Parents-Madeleine-McCann-Claudia-Lawrence-meet-York-vigil.html?ITO=1490

United through loss: Parents of Madeleine McCann and Claudia Lawrence meet for York vigil


KM: "It is nice to spend some time with some people who are in the same position as you."

NICE!!!

Kate got in touch when she heard that we were having this event and she said that she wanted to come along.

Ah, was that the reason for the 8 page private PR letter?


Sadly neither Joan Lawrence or Gerry McCann could make the vigil.


I find it odd that JL was not at her daughter Claudia's vigil service especially as it would have been the perfect chance for this:

The two mothers, who share the same nightmare, have forged a close bond and hope to meet soon.

The above italic text is from the article li4l posted.

Full Daily Mail Article

United through loss: Parents of Madeleine McCann and Claudia Lawrence meet for York vigil

By James Tozer
Last updated at 7:58 PM on 27th February 2011

Both have endured unimaginable heartache as the fate of their daughters remains a mystery.

And for the first time yesterday, Kate McCann, mother of Madeleine, and the father of Claudia Lawrence met at a vigil for the missing chef.

On what would have been Miss Lawrence’s 37th birthday, her father Peter sat with Mrs McCann as 50 friends and family gathered at York Minster, along with Archbishop John Sentamu, to pray for the safe return of their children.


Remembrance: Kate McCann lights a candle at York Minster for her missing daughter Madeleine


Dressed in a black skirt and coat and red scarf, 42-year-old Mrs McCann lit a candle for Madeleine, who vanished aged three in 2007, and spoke of drawing support from meeting someone who knows the pain her family feel.

‘It is nice to spend time with people who are in the same position,’ she said. ‘The circumstances are very different, but we share the same pain and fear and hope.

'Our daughters are different ages and the circumstances are very different but we share the same pain and fear and hope.


'Today is actually the first time I have met Peter, I have been in touch with his wife. It is nice to be able to support each other because it is one of those things that, unless you have been in that situation it is very difficult to understand.

'The Archbishop John Sentamu has also been very supportive. He has never forgotten us.'

Miss Lawrence has been missing since March 2009.

Her 64-year-old father said: ‘Today is difficult, just like Christmas, but we have to make the fact that Claudia is missing apparent.’


Missing: The parents of Madeleine McCann (left) and Claudia Lawrence (right) said prayers for their absent loved ones at York Cathedral today

Mr Lawrence, 64, and Mrs McCann, 42, met in the centre of York this afternoon before slowly making their way to the grandiose York Minster. Sadly neither Joan Lawrence or Gerry McCann could make the vigil.

They marched along with family and friends, holding a loft a placard with Claudia's picture on and the question 'Where are you?'

Prior to the vigil, Mr Lawrence said: 'Everything we have done for the past couple of years has been aimed at keeping the fact that Claudia is missing at the front of people's minds. Everything we can do we are trying.

'Today is obviously a special day because it is Claudia's birthday. It is not just for Claudia, we have organised it for other missing people too. Today is difficult, just like Christmas was but on every occasion we have to make the fact that Claudia is missing apparent.

'Kate got in touch when she heard that we were having this event and she said that she wanted to come along. It is nice to raise awareness for both of our daughters and for the families to come together.'


Vigil: Peter Lawrence, father of missing chef Claudia Lawrence, and Madeleine McCann's mother Kate met with Dr John Sentamu for a service at York Minster

Mr Lawrence also confirmed that he intends to address a number of MPs at parliament later this week in relation to the control families have over missing people's financial affairs.

Claudia Lawrence's best friend, Suzy Cooper, also attended the vigil and prior to it said: 'It has been really difficult with today being her birthday and Claudia particularly enjoyed going out on Sundays so she would have been really pleased her birthday was on one today.

'We haven't made any specific plans for her birthday but I think we will have a drink, a meal and a toast to Claudia.'

The group then made their way to York Minster where they were met by Archbishop of York Sentamu and Dean of York Keith Jones.

After the group had made their way inside the stunning building, Archbishop Sentamu addressed the congregation of 50 people, saying: 'We are having a vigil on the 37th birthday of Claudia Lawrence.

'We must keep ourselves remembering that she is still missing. Someone out there knows where she is and in my prayers I hope they will have the courage to come forward.

'It is great that we also have Kate McCann here, Maddie McCann's mother. As you know in this minster, I pray for both her and for Claudia regularly.'

Mrs McCann and Mr Lawrence were then presented with a blue candle each, as a symbol of the Virgin Mary and the joy and pain of motherhood, before a number of prayers were said for Maddie, Ms Lawrence and other missing people.

The parents of Ms Lawrence and Maddie then sat side by side, along with Archbishop Sentamu, with the Minster's great window in the background, and quietly said prayers for their missing daughters.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1361173/Parents-Madeleine-McCann-Claudia-Lawrence-meet-York-vigil.html#ixzz1FC1pZaH1

Kate got in touch when she heard that we were having this event and she said that she wanted to come along.

what a surprise

A big candle for a big lie!

And the Daily Star

NEW MADDIE HOPE



ABOVE: A police source said missing persons cases in the Algarve were being looked at as a result of the st

27th February 2011 By Jonathan Corke
MADELEINE McCann’s parents hope a major police breakthrough against human trafficking in Portugal’s Algarve might lead them to their missing daughter.

We can reveal how, in a huge bust earlier this month, 12 men were arrested on suspicion of trafficking women and children and forcing them into the sex trade.

And it is hoped they could have vital information on Madeleine’s case and may even know who took her from the resort of Praia da Luz in May 2007.

Last night Madeleine’s parents, doctors Kate and Gerry McCann, both 42, were anxiously waiting to hear of any new lines of inquiry.

Spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: “Clearly any information that the Portuguese authorities gather from this operation that is relevant to Madeleine would be of crucial importance.

“Obviously, Kate and Gerry will want to hear from the relevant authorities should anything of significance develop.”

The raid, codenamed Operation Roadbook, saw immigration officials from Portugal’s SEF border security agency and police join forces to smash the network.

According to detectives, 30 young women, including several under-age girls, were rescued as eight properties and 11 cars were raided across the Algarve and Aveiro, in the north of Portugal.

The SEF said they believe the ring to be responsible for the sexual exploitation of “many” young women in the
Algarve.

In a statement they said: “The network used very violent physical and psychological coercion to force dozens of young women into prostitution.

“Some of the women were found to be underage while others had been the victims of the forced administration of narcotics.”

According to the SEF, the gang constantly moved the girls to different locations, both in Portugal and outside the country, where they would be sold and traded.

“The movement of the prostitutes between different networks hindered the police and judicial authorities in being able to conduct a criminal investigation.

“But authorities in Spain, Italy, the UK and Germany co-operated with us with the assistance of Europol in this case.”

A police source said missing persons cases in the Algarve were being looked at as a result of the sting.

Madeleine, from Rothley, Leics, was just three when she vanished from the holiday resort of Praia da Luz in the Algarve nearly four years ago.

Investigators trying to track down the missing girl have long suspected her to be the victim of a professional human trafficking network.

A source said: “Even if these men were not involved they may have information about who was and the channels used.”

The 12 men, who are all EU citizens, are being held in custody with court hearings taking place in the main Algarve tourist city of Albufeira.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/178759/NEW-MADDIE-HOPE/

There is also a News of the World article today about Hewlett's widow refusing to talk to Kate McCann but I cannot access it.

Anyone with a NOTW account?

Are there no depths to which this pair will sink? This makes a mockery of the religious beliefs of all faiths. Abandon your children, light a candle and absolution will be yours.
Me, I'll convert to Black Magic before I'll follow the same faith that allows this sort of profanity.

Spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: “Clearly any information that the Portuguese authorities gather from this operation that is relevant to Madeleine would be of crucial importance.

“Obviously, Kate and Gerry will want to hear from the relevant authorities should anything of significance develop.”



Errrr ....... I would have thought that the McCanns will be the very, very first people that the authorities will be contacting if anything significant develops. Because there will be a lot more than 48 questions to be answered at that point ........ Especially when the i's and t's are dotted and crossed in Portugal. So no sweat there, Mitchell. No sweat at all. The McCanns wil be kept right up to date, along with their chums

lifeisforliving wrote:There is also a News of the World article today about Hewlett's widow refusing to talk to Kate McCann but I cannot access it.

Anyone with a NOTW account?

lifeisforliving ......... Don't worry about accessing this. It is irrelevant, and we need to ignore all Hewlett-related stuff. Let KMc deal with all that on her own. God knows why they are citing KMc individually on this, but it's not an avenue she should be parading down.

Midas wrote:

lifeisforliving wrote:There is also a News of the World article today about Hewlett's widow refusing to talk to Kate McCann but I cannot access it.

Anyone with a NOTW account?

lifeisforliving ......... Don't worry about accessing this. It is irrelevant, and we need to ignore all Hewlett-related stuff. Let KMc deal with all that on her own. God knows why they are citing KMc individually on this, but it's not an avenue she should be parading down.

Yebo yes!

As this seems to be predominately a vigil for Claudia - I am not quite sure why 'The Parents' of Madeleine takes the headlines..................... Don't get me wrong - we are all here for Madeleine - but Why?? Oh Why?? can no other worthy cause take the headlines?........................ It surely is time for the McCanns to sit back and let other worthy cases be heard............................ imo only...............

flower wrote:As this seems to be predominately a vigil for Claudia - I am not quite sure why 'The Parents' of Madeleine takes the headlines..................... Don't get me wrong - we are all here for Madeleine - but Why?? Oh Why?? can no other worthy cause take the headlines?........................ It surely is time for the McCanns to sit back and let other worthy cases be heard............................ imo only...............

It's like I said, they are despicable and despicable people do despicable things.

They've also forgotten that one little saying..........



'You may fool a few people some of the time,
but you won't fool all the people all of the time'

POPPY1 wrote:

flower wrote:As this seems to be predominately a vigil for Claudia - I am not quite sure why 'The Parents' of Madeleine takes the headlines..................... Don't get me wrong - we are all here for Madeleine - but Why?? Oh Why?? can no other worthy cause take the headlines?........................ It surely is time for the McCanns to sit back and let other worthy cases be heard............................ imo only...............

It's like I said, they are despicable and despicable people do despicable things.

They've also forgotten that one little saying..........



'You may fool a few people some of the time,
but you won't fool all the people all of the time'

Well, they sure have seemed to fool the Great British News Industry................ Not that I really believe that............. But Why do all these 'Rags' run in favour of the McCanns??.......... I can't quite get my head round it all.............. When are some of these newspaper outlets going to tell it as it is??.............