The main suspect in the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine McCann has been found not guilty of unrelated sex crime charges – meaning he could be released from prison as early as next year.
Christian Brueckner, 47, was publicly identified by German authorities in June 2020 as the prime suspect in Madeleine’s case, though no formal charges have been brought against him.
He had been accused of three rapes and two cases of child sexual abuse between 2000 and 2017, all of which occurred in Portugal, near the Praia da Luz resort where Madeleine went missing during a family vacation.
Brueckner’s main lawyer Friedrich Fuelscher suggested in his closing remarks yesterday that he should be cleared due to a lack of evidence and the convicted rapist was only on trial because of his connection with McCann’s internationally recognised case.
Defendant Christian Brueckner is the prime suspect in the long-unsolved case of Madeleine McCann’s disappearanceGETTYThe court agreed with Fuelscher’s argument, and found his client not guilty on all charges.
He showed no emotion as the verdict was delivered.
Brueckner is already serving a seven-year jail term in Germany for rape.
The trial began in February and during the summer the court lifted an arrest warrant in connection with the case.
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The defence was critical of the German police’s investigation of the case describing it as ‘”one-sided” and he had been left “shocked” by it.
Fuelscher said: “We have heard BKA officers (German police) openly admit that they did not question witnesses critically so that no contradictions would arise.
“This is simply scandalous and casts a very bad light on the federal authorities, especially as the BKA is highly trusted in terms of competence by the judiciary and general public.”
On Tuesday, Uta Inse Engemann, the presiding judge, said evidence against Brueckner was “insufficient” and acquitted him of all charges.
Christian Brueckner was on trial for a separate offence in Germany
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Last week, the chief public prosecutor, Ute Lindemann demanded a total of 15 years in prison for Brückner.
Brueckner’s lawyers said his trial faced worldwide prejudice following constant allegations he took the toddler in 2007.
The 47-year-old denies involvement in the McCann case and has never been charged.