Christian Brueckner, the main suspect in the Madeleine McCann case, marked his release from prison with a meal of chicken nuggets. Brueckner, a convicted sex offender, had completed a seven-year sentence for rape in Germany. The location of this crime was close to where Madeleine disappeared in Praia Da Luz two years later.
Following his release, Brueckner was seen at a McDonald’s near Hamburg wearing an ankle monitor. Despite being identified as the prime suspect in Madeleine’s case in 2020, he has not been formally charged. Strict conditions were imposed on his release, including wearing the ankle monitor for five years, regular contact with a probation officer, and notification of any changes in his whereabouts.
If Brueckner violates these conditions, he could face up to three years in prison or a fine. Police provided tight security during his release, escorting him from the prison with multiple vehicles. Brueckner is due in court next month for allegedly insulting a prison officer.
Maintaining his innocence in Madeleine’s disappearance, Brueckner faces ongoing legal battles, including an appeal against past sex crime charges in Portugal. Despite extensive investigations, no charges have been filed in connection with Madeleine’s case. German authorities conducted searches in Portugal recently, where Brueckner resided near the time of Madeleine’s disappearance.