Fresh blow to Madeleine McCann’s parents as Kate & Gerry lose court case in bitter row with Portuguese detective

MADELEINE McCann’s parents Kate and Gerry have lost the latest stage of their legal battle with a retired Portuguese detective. Lawyers for the couple had argued their right to a private and family life was breached by the way Portuguese courts dealt with their libel claims against Goncalo Amaral. Paul TongeMadeleine McCann’s parents Kate and Gerry mark the 15th anniversary of their daughter’s disappearance[/caption] EPAMadeleine was snatched on a family holiday in Portugal in May 2007[/caption] Peter Jordan - The SunGoncalo Amaral falsely accused the McCanns of being involved in their daughter’s disappearance[/caption] He claimed in a book, TV documentary and newspaper interview that the McCanns were involved in their daughter Madeleine‘s disappearance. The court found that the couple’s reputation had been damaged by the fact that they were made official suspects in the case for a short time, rather than Mr Amaral’s comments. The McCanns now have three months to appeal the decision. Madeleine disappeared while on holiday with her family in Algarve resort Praia da Luz in May 2007. Most read in News FAMILY BOND Princess Charlotte shares touching moment with Harry during Queen's funeral TOGETHER AGAIN Queen's coffin is lowered into vault as she's reunited with Prince Philip TAKING HER CUE Adorable moment mourning Charlotte copies aunt with touching show of respect EARLY EXIT Fans all say the same thing as Beatrice & Eugenie appear to leave during funeral LOST FOR WORDS Viewers say same thing about Harry during national anthem at Queen's funeral PROCESSION ARREST Man 'arrested after trying to jump over barriers' during Queen's funeral