Tycoon offers legal chief to McCanns

Double-glazing magnate Brian Kennedy has offered the services of his in-house legal chief Edward Smethurst to the parents of missing Madeleine McCann.

Kennedy's offer comes as he confirmed that he is providing financial assistance and has offered to pay for former BBC reporter Clarence Mitchell to act as Gerry and Kate McCann's official spokesman.

Kennedy, the owner of Rugby team Sale Sharks and home improvement parent company Latium Group, said he felt "compelled" to support Gerry and Kate McCann following the accusations made against them.

"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," said the tycoon, whose businesses turn over around £400m.

Kennedy added: "This will relieve the McCanns of the daily pressure of coordinating the legal teams that will expedite the clearing of their names, allowing all parties to refocus on finding Madeleine."

The news comes just weeks after the McCanns instructed two big-hitters from Kingsley Napley, partners Michael Caplan QC and Angus McBride, to advise them on their legal rights (www.thelawyer.com, 10 September)

The McCanns deny any involvement in their daughter's disappearance.