Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, is now living in a makeshift woodland camp following his recent release from prison.
From Prison Cell to Woodland Tent
The 49-year-old German national was freed from jail in September after serving a six-year sentence for the rape of a 72-year-old woman in Praia da Luz, Portugal. This is the same resort where three-year-old Madeleine vanished in 2007.
According to The Sun newspaper, Brueckner has established a new base in a wooded area near a northern German city. This represents his second makeshift camp since being released, having already been forced to move from one previous location.
Brueckner is reportedly guarded by two female companions known locally as Mona and Mandy, along with what's described as a 'vicious' pit bull terrier. Both women have denied any romantic involvement with the convicted sex offender, insisting they are merely providing assistance.
Restricted Movement and Future Plans
Since regaining his freedom, Brueckner has faced significant difficulties finding accommodation. He has been repeatedly turned away from hotels and homeless hostels across Germany.
Authorities also ordered him to vacate a city centre park where he had pitched his tent near a nursery, raising obvious safety concerns.
A German court has granted Brueckner permission to leave the country and start a new life under a different identity. This development has caused alarm among law enforcement officials, as it would render his current ankle tag useless and make tracking his movements impossible.
Prosecutors are actively working to delay his departure, hoping that new witnesses might emerge in the Madeleine McCann investigation that could lead to fresh charges being brought against him.
Ongoing Investigation and Evidence
Brueckner was officially named as a suspect in Madeleine's disappearance while serving his prison sentence for rape. Although he has consistently denied any involvement publicly, disturbing claims suggest otherwise.
Helge Bushching alleges that Brueckner essentially confessed to the abduction during a conversation at a Spanish music festival, reportedly stating 'she didn't scream' when discussing the case.
In an interview with The Sun, prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters expressed concerns about Brueckner potentially leaving Germany. 'If Brueckner leaves Germany it will be very difficult to continue monitoring him,' Wolters stated.
However, he added: 'We don't need Christian Brueckner here to keep investigating. He doesn't speak with us anyway. We will keep going as long as we believe there is still evidence out there to find - and we believe there is. One piece of forensic evidence or a new witness could crack the case instantly.'
Wolters revealed that investigators possess more information about Brueckner than the public knows and confirmed there are additional witnesses beyond those already identified.
Despite having circumstantial evidence linking Brueckner to Madeleine's disappearance, prosecutors have hesitated to charge him due to concerns that the lack of forensic evidence might jeopardise their chances of securing a conviction.
Brueckner's criminal history extends beyond the Praia da Luz rape conviction. In 2016, he received a 15-month prison sentence for abusing a five-year-old girl in a park after incriminating images were discovered on his laptop, though he was on the run at the time this sentence was handed down.
