‘Game changer’ in Madeleine McCann case as suspect Christian Brueckner faces retrial
German prosecutors believe that Christian Brueckner may be heading for a retrial for a case unrelated to the McCann disappearance, although it could have ramifications in that case too
Christian Brueckner could face a retrial in Germany(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
A man previously accused of abducting Madeleine McCann is set to be brought back to court over claims of rape in what has been dubbed a ‘game changer’.
The top prosecutor in Germany is believed to have secured a hearing to make the case that Christian Brueckner was wrongly cleared of rape charges back in 2024, and needs to face a retrial. While this specific retrial is not related to the McCann case, experts believe that it could have a knock-on effect on the investigation into Maddie’s disappearance.
According to The Sun, a source with links to the case said: “This is a case with very little good news — and no prospect of a happy outcome. But for those who want to see Brueckner charged over Madeleine, this new court date is a game changer.
Madeleine McCann disappeared from a holiday flat in Portugal in 2007 aged 3. (Image: PA/PA Wire)
“The way the German system works means every part of the original trial will be considered — and the judge overseeing it is incredibly sharp. She will miss nothing.
“Maddie investigators realise for the first time there is a genuine will to see a retrial and for something to be done about Brueckner”
UK officials still consider Brueckner a suspect in the McCann case, with Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley previously stating that the German “remains a suspect for us” and that the force’s investigation into Madeleine’s disappearance remains a missing person inquiry.
Christian Brueckner at a previous trial (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Madeleine was three years old when she disappeared while staying at the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz in 2007. Both her and her siblings had been left sleeping in a holiday apartment while her parents, Kate and Gerry, went to eat at a restaurant nearby.
Her disappearance has gone on to become one of the most high-profile missing person cases globally.
In Germany, prosecutors have continuously pointed to evidence that they say indicates Brueckner may have been in the area when Madeleine vanished, with many suggesting that they think he is responsible.
Kate and Gerry McCann(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Brueckner, who spent years drifting around the Algarve, is a petty criminal and convicted sex offender with previous convictions for sexually abusing children in 1994 and 2016.
Brueckner denies any involvement in the disappearance of Madeline McCann.
