Another millionaire backs McCanns

By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer Sep 24, 2007, 14:18 GMT

05/26/2007 - Kate McCann - Parents of Missing Child Madeleine McCann, Gerry and Kate McCann - May 26, 2007 - Algarve, Portugal - Algarve, Portugal © Solarpix / PR Photos

(M&C) - Brian Kennedy, the millionaire double-glazing magnate and owner of rugby union club Sale Sharks, has joined forces with other entrepreneurs such as Virgin boss Richard Branson to assist the parents of missing girl Madeleine McCann.

Kennedy is believed to be paying the fees of spokesman Clarence Mitchell as well as offering the McCanns the use of his in-house lawyer Edward Smethurst.

The 4-year-old daughter of the McCanns went missing on May 3 while the family were on holiday in southern Portugal. Both Gerry and Kate McCann have been named as persons of interest in the disappearance of Madeleine by Portuguese police though have yet to be charged.

Kennedy said he felt "compelled" to assist the pair.

"In light of the quite literally incredible accusations against Gerry and Kate McCann, which are clearly exacerbating their emotional torture, I felt compelled to offer, along with other like-minded businessmen, financial support and the full logistical support of the Latium team."

The Latium Group, which specialises in plastics, glass processing, kitchens and home improvements, is the company run by Mr Kennedy.

The tycoon said his assistance will "relieve pressure" from the McCanns.

"This will relieve the McCanns of the daily pressure of co-ordinating the legal teams that will expedite the clearing of Gerry and Kate's names, allowing all parties to refocus on finding Madeleine," Kennedy added.