Convict linked to Madeleine McCann case, Christian Brueckner, discharged from prison following completion of a rape term
The prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, a British girl who went missing in Portugal in 2007, has been released from prison in Germany. Christian Brueckner, who was convicted of raping an elderly woman in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2005, was released from Sehnde Prison near Hanover at 9.15am German time on Wednesday morning.
Brueckner, who lived intermittently in Praia da Luz between 1995 and 2007, about 1 mile from the resort where Madeleine disappeared, has denied any involvement in the case and has never been charged with any crime in relation to her disappearance. The force's investigation into Madeleine's disappearance remains a missing person inquiry.
Scotland Yard considers Brueckner a suspect in its own investigation into Madeleine's disappearance. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated that the force is 'taking stock' of the German and Portuguese investigations now that Brueckner has walked free from prison. He also noted that Brueckner remains a suspect for the force.
Before his arrest, Brueckner worked odd jobs, had a history of breaking into apartments, burgled hotels and villas, and was involved in drug dealing. His mobile phone was in Praia da Luz when he received a call about an hour before Madeleine was last seen in 2007. At that time, he was believed to be living in a distinctive campervan and re-registered a Jaguar car in another person's name the day after her disappearance.
Searches have been carried out by German, Portuguese, and British authorities since Madeleine's disappearance, with the latest taking place near the Portuguese municipality of Lagos in June. Investigators carried out searches near the Barragem do Arade reservoir, about 30 miles from Praia da Luz, in 2023.
The total funding given to the Met's investigation, titled Operation Grange, has been over £13.2 million since 2011, with an additional £108,000 secured from the Government in April. No further information was provided about the current status or progress of the investigations.
Upon his release, Brueckner rejected the request for an interview with the Metropolitan Police. He will be fitted with an ankle tag after his release from prison.
Portuguese and German authorities are also probing Madeleine's disappearance. In October last year, Brueckner was cleared by a German court of unrelated sexual offences alleged to have taken place in Portugal between 2000 and 2017.
The mystery of Madeleine McCann's disappearance continues to baffle investigators and the public alike. As the investigation enters a new phase with Brueckner's release, the hope remains that the truth will eventually be uncovered.
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