The prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann may walk free within the next two weeks.
And according to reports, German prosecutors are said to be racing to seek charges against him beforehand.
Christian Brueckner is suspected of abducting and then killing the three-year-old back in 2007 in Portugal. He was then named by police in Germany as the prime suspect in the infamous case in 2020.
The 48-year-old has denied any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance and is currently serving a 2019 seven-year jail term for an unrelated case - reportedly the rape of a 72-year-old woman at the same resort in 2005.
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He is currently seeking early release from this, similar to how in October he was cleared of unrelated rape and sex abuse offences in Portugal between 2000 and 2017.
And now it is said German prosecutors are rushing to prepare for a case against him.
A source close to the case in Germany told The Sun: “Normally a move like his bid for an early release would be laughed out of court. But everyone is very nervous after what happened with his rape trial last year. The court was surprisingly favourable to him.
“Brueckner’s lawyers know they need to go for this now, in case an appeal against his acquittal is allowed. That will create a new arrest warrant and he’ll be stuck behind bars.
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“Madeleine prosecutors still have firepower they can rely on - but they are nervous.
“As soon as Brueckner is free he will disappear and likely never be seen again.
“We’ve seen it time and time again over the years with other offences - and even his own lawyers have said it. He cannot be released. That would mean disaster for the McCann case and parents Gerry and Kate.
“That is why prosecutors are making their preparations. Charging over Madeleine would be the only ace left up their sleeve for keeping Christian B behind bars. Let’s hope they don’t need it.”
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Prosecutors reportedly confirmed to the newspaper that a hearing on the suspect was pending but did not provide any further comment.
A court is considering the appeal against last year’s acquittal but if this bid for his early release succeeds, he might be free before that’s made. And that helps explain why his lawyers are trying to get him released now.
If he’s freed, lawyers in the McCann case are likely to appeal against the decision.
Topics: Madeleine McCann, Crime, UK News
Jess Battison