CHRISTIAN Brueckner has declared himself homeless after being released from jail this week.
The key suspect Madeleine McCann‘s disappearance, who denies involvement, has now been moved into emergency accommodation.
Dan CharityMadeleine McCann prime suspect Christian Brueckner[/caption]
PAUndated handout file photo of Madeleine McCann[/caption]
Dan CharityMadeleine McCann prime suspect Christian Brueckner arrives in court in Braunschweig[/caption]
The Mirror has reported that he was formally declared homeless in the town he is currently living.
A press secretary for the city told the paper: “He registered as homeless yesterday and we have accommodated him for safety reasons.”
Brueckner was released from prison this week after a serving time for the rape of a pensioner.
He was spotted feasting on a McDonald’s burger after he was set free.
His first act as a free man was to wolf down a cheeseburger and chicken nuggets.
The McDonald’s branch was opposite BabyOne, which specialises in clothes, toys and equipment for mothers and toddlers.
A resident said: “It’s terrifying he has been released from prison and come straight here.
“There are many McDonald’s not next to baby stores like this — take him there.”
It came after Brueckner’s seven-year sentence for rape had expired, allowing him to walk free once again.
But since his release, British police have stepped up their probe into him.
Met Police officers have requested access to all files and witnesses on the German investigation into the 48-year-old.
A source close to the case in Germany said: “It’s clear the British police have increased their interest in this case.
“Operation Grange, the Met’s investigation into Madeleine, has always remained active and there has always been information-sharing with the Germans.
“But after leaving the case with German investigators Met detectives now seem to want to take a real look at everything.”
Dan CharityMet Police officers have requested access to all files and witnesses on the German investigation[/caption]
APHe will wear a tag for the next five years[/caption]
His freedom came despite prosecutors arguing he is “dangerous”.
They added: “You have to expect him to commit further crimes”.
Brueckner was given breakfast on the day of his release before being driven away in his lawyer’s black Audi A6.
He was seen in a red and white striped shirt as he sat in the rear seat of the vehicle.
Brueckner covered his face as the car drove past reporters.
To this date, he remains the only suspect in Madeleine’s disappearance.
Following his release, he will wear a tag for the next five years and contact a probation officer monthly.
Brueckner will also have to stay at a single address – and is not allowed to move out without permission.
Failure to follow these conditions could see him face a fine or up to three years in prison.
Brueckner’s lawyer claims the release had been a “success”.
He said: “Thanks to the police escort and the closure of the roads used behind the convoy, the journey to the destination was completed without further incident.
“No information regarding Christian B’s current location or his accommodation has been provided.”
But Madeleine prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters said: “It is unsettling, and it would be a nightmare if he were to commit another serious crime.
“However, the presumption of innocence stands until proven otherwise.
“This is how the rule of law operates.”
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
Here’s a timeline of the case which has gripped the world.
May 3, 2007
Madeleine McCann disappears from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, sparking a massive police search and becoming one of the most famous missing persons cases in history.
January 15, 2016
Neighbour reports a possible ‘grave’ at Brueckner’s abandoned factory in East Germany.
Cops find disturbing images on USB sticks and launch a full-scale search.
February 16, 2016
Christian Brueckner is convicted for abusing a girl of five in a park after images found on his laptop.
He was sentenced to 15-months behind bars but was already on the run by then.
May 3, 2017
Around this time, Helge B calls an information hotline after watching a ten-year anniversary special on the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.
He reports an alleged confession by Christian Brueckner.
September 27, 2018
On-the-run Christian Brueckner is arrested over outstanding drugs claims in Italy.
He is extradited to Germany the following year.
December 16, 2019
Christian Brueckner was convicted, in Germany, for the 2005 rape of an American woman in Praia da Luz, Portugal, after his DNA was matched to a hair found on her bed.
He was sentenced to seven years behind bars.
June 4, 2020
German prosecutors reveal to the world they have a suspect in custody under investigation for the abduction of Madeleine McCann.
For the first time they claim Madeleine is dead.
German media later name him as Christian B (Christian Brueckner).
June 23, 2023
In his first interview, witness Helge B alleges to German newspaper Bild that Christian Brueckner all-but-confessed the Madeleine abduction to him, by allegedly saying “she didn’t scream” as they talked about the case, at a music festival, in Spain.
February 16, 2024
Brueckner goes on trial accused of none-McCann allegations of rape and sex assault, in Braunschweig, Germany.
Prosecutors hope for a conviction to keep him behind bars permanently and lead to McCann charges.
October 8, 2024
Brueckner was acquitted of all claims.
Prosecutors launch an appeal, however. Decision pending.
September 17, 2025
Date on which Christian Brueckner will be released from custody without action being taken.
Prosecutors require an arrest warrant for a retrial over claims from last year – or over the McCann case.