Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, has been released from prison under strict conditions, raising concerns about a potential flight from the country. Brueckner, a 49-year-old convicted paedophile, was freed from Sehnde prison after completing a seven-year sentence for rape. Despite being identified as the main suspect in the Madeleine case in June 2020, no charges were brought against him following a thorough police inquiry.
As part of his release terms, Brueckner has been equipped with a GPS ankle monitor to track his movements around the clock. Additionally, he has had his passport seized and is required to regularly report to the probation service, potentially on a weekly basis. Restrictions include staying away from locations frequented by children such as schools and nurseries, and obtaining permission for any address changes.
Nevertheless, Brueckner’s lawyer, Friedrich Fuelscher, has expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the ankle monitor if his client decides to leave Germany. Fuelscher indicated that Brueckner has intentions post-release, suggesting a desire to relocate to a non-EU or non-UK extradition treaty country.
While Brueckner will be issued a German identity card in lieu of his passport and must maintain a permanent address in Germany, there are concerns that he could easily evade authorities by crossing into another EU nation. Prosecutors are still pursuing evidence to support charging Brueckner in connection to Madeleine’s disappearance, an event he denies involvement in back in May 2007.
Search efforts led by German teams in Portugal in July aimed to uncover evidence related to Brueckner’s time living in a run-down farmhouse near Praia da Luz when Madeleine went missing. The possibility of Brueckner escaping Germany and eluding capture poses a significant challenge for law enforcement.
Fuelscher maintains Brueckner’s innocence and mentioned his client’s mixed emotions about being released, acknowledging uncertainties about the future.