THE judge in the Maddie McCann probe decided investigations were at a “dead end” — seven months before Kate and Gerry were cleared, it emerged last night.

Prosecutors had asked several times for permission to access SMS texts and mobile locations of the McCanns’ Tapas Nine holiday pals, the police case files reveal.

This was denied until December 12 when Judge Pedro Anjos Frias relented, stating: “It is evident the investigation is at a dead end.

Cleared ... heartbroken Kate and Gerry McCann

“Therefore, the information requested by the prosecution should be provided by telephone operators, as from them there may be results.”

But it was not until July 21 this year the McCanns had their arguidos status removed.

Outcome

The files also show that police — led by chief Goncalo Amaral — had decided on the outcome of the case after just 47 days.

Cops said they had searched 1,500 places but reached a stalemate.

The files also contain criticism of the first cops at the flat after Maddie disappeared.

Joao Barreiras, scenes of crime specialist, said: “The people went all around the house without care for the preservation of the crime scene.”

Mark Harrison, UK search adviser, also claimed most of the police search team were not trained to look for a missing girl.