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Alarm in Germany as 'dangerous' Maddie suspect set to walk / Photo: Michael Matthey - POOL/AFP/File
NYSE - LSE
Alarm in Germany as 'dangerous' Maddie suspect set to walk
German law enforcement authorities have voiced alarm that the "dangerous" chief suspect in the 2007 disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann will soon leave prison and could flee the country.
Prosecutors believe Christian Brueckner, 48, killed the three-year-old girl in a Portuguese resort in a missing persons case that has captivated the world and remains unsolved.
But lacking sufficient evidence to lay charges, they are helpless as Brueckner -- who has a history of violent sex crimes -- is due to be released from a German prison by September 17.
The chief prosecutor in the case, Christian Wolters, told AFP that he believes the man who German authorities refer to as Christian B. remains "fundamentally dangerous".
A psychiatric expert who assessed him recently concluded that "further sexual offences are to be expected".
"He has not undergone any therapy or similar treatment in prison, which means that, from our point of view, we must assume that he will reoffend," Wolters said.
Prosecutors have applied for conditions on Brueckner's release, such as wearing an ankle tag and informing them where he lives.
But even if they are granted, he will be "basically a free man", Wolters said.
"I assume that he will leave Germany. Because of all the media hype, so that he doesn't have to face it all the time," Wolters said.
Brueckner has denied any involvement in the Maddie case. His defence lawyer this week did not reply when contacted by AFP.
Y.Walker--SMC
