GERMANY: "Mind games" used by the police were the key to bringing back Shevaun Pennington safe and well, psychologists said yesterday.
Detectives asked the media on Wednesday morning to present a more sympathetic picture of 31-year-old former US Marine Toby Studabaker.
It was thought he and schoolgirl Shevaun had seen coverage of their disappearance on European TV, and police were worried any negative publicity could drive the pair "underground".
Yesterday, psychologists said the move, which was the type of tactic often adopted in television dramas such as Cracker, had been a major success.
Detectives frequently worked closely with criminal psychologists to decide what information to release, said Dr David A. Holmes, director of forensic research at Manchester Metropolitan University.
"The information given out to the press is strategic as opposed to strictly truthful. This may be controversial but it's needed to get the best results." Although the media were aware of previous sexual allegations made against Studabaker, they were asked not to repeat them in order to protect Shevaun.
Dr Holmes said an emotional interview with Shevaun's mother shown on television on Wednesday morning made it easier for her to come home.