A German suspect potentially connected to the disappearance of British toddler Madeleine McCann is scheduled to stand trial this week regarding unrelated charges. Despite being named as a key suspect in the case two years ago, the individual has denied any involvement in Madeleine's disappearance. Madeleine vanished in 2007 while on vacation with her family in Portugal.
The suspect, now identified as Christian Bruckner, made his first public court appearance since being linked to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. The current trial, however, does not pertain to this case. Bruckner, aged 47, faces charges of three counts of rape and two counts of sexual abuse at the Braunschweig State Court in northern Germany. These allegations reportedly stem from incidents in 2017 in Portugal, where Bruckner was residing and performing various odd jobs.
The charges against Bruckner include the rape of a woman in her 70s at her residence in Algarve, sexual abuse of a minor above 14 years old, and the 2004 rape at knifepoint of a young Irish woman in her home, which was allegedly recorded on video. Additionally, he is accused of committing other acts of sexual abuse involving children.
The trial was briefly delayed for a week due to concerns regarding one of the lay judges. A decision was pending on whether this lay judge, who reportedly made controversial tweets in the past and has a background as a child psychologist, should be dismissed for possible bias in the case. It is anticipated that a substitute lay judge may be assigned if the current judge is removed.
Bruckner has a history of criminal convictions, primarily related to petty crimes and theft. Presently, he is serving a seven-year sentence for the rape of a 72-year-old American tourist in 2005. If found guilty in the current trial, Bruckner could face a sentence ranging from five to 15 years in prison. Authorities are continuing their investigations into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann while Bruckner's trial progresses, aiming to seek justice for the young girl.
