Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, has been released from prison following a rape sentence and has strict conditions to follow
Madeleine McCann’s disappearance prime suspect, Christian Brueckner, has been released from prison and will be subjected to strict conditions, but he could still flee the country.
The convicted paedophile, 49, was released from Sehnde prison earlier today at 9.15am after serving a seven-year sentence for rape. He was previously identified as the main suspect in the Madeleine case in June 2020, but despite an extensive police investigation, he was never charged.
As part of his release condition, Brueckner is understood to have been fitted with a GPS ankle tag to monitor his movements 24/7. In addition, he reportedly had his passport confiscated and will also be required to report regularly to the probation service – possibly once a week.
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Brueckner has also been banned from going near schools, nurseries or other places regularly used by children. He will also need approval to change his home address.
However, Brueckner’s solicitor Friedrich Fuelscher has argued that his ankle tag is pointless if his client decides to leave Germany. He stated: “This ankle cuff is virtually ineffective once he crosses the German border.”
Mr Fuelscher mentioned that the sex offender “has a plan” post-prison. His legal representative also previously said Brueckner wants to vanish overseas to a country that has no extradition treaty with the EU or UK.
Without his passport, Der Spiegel reported that Brueckner will be issued a German identity card and must maintain a permanent address in Germany. But even without a passport, he could easily disappear to another EU country.
Prosecutors are still hunting for evidence that would allow them to charge Brueckner over Madeleine’s disappearance. Brueckner denies any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance in May 2007.
German search teams spent three days searching for evidence in Portugal in July. Brueckner was residing in a dilapidated farmhouse on the outskirts of Praia da Luz when Madeleine disappeared.
But if Brueckner manages to slip out of Germany and go into hiding, authorities could face a daunting task of arresting him.
Mr Fuelscher continued to assert his client’s innocence and said Brueckner had mixed feelings about being freed. The lawyer told RTL: “I can imagine that this is associated with fears, because you just don’t know what’s in store for you.”