A German court has begun hearing disturbing allegations against the prime suspect in Madeleine McCann's disappearance, who now stands accused of systematically stalking British families in Portugal.
The 47-year-old convicted sex offender, identified as Christian Brueckner, appeared before judges in Braunschweig, northern Germany, facing three counts of rape and two sexual assault charges dating back to 2000-2017 in Portugal.
Chilling Pattern of Behaviour
Prosecutors allege the defendant targeted British holidaymakers, with court documents revealing he would allegedly film his victims without consent. The trial comes as German authorities continue their investigation into his potential involvement in Madeleine McCann's 2007 disappearance from a Praia da Luz holiday apartment.
German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters confirmed to reporters that while this trial focuses on separate sexual offence charges, the investigation into three-year-old Madeleine's disappearance remains active and ongoing.
Victims Targeted in Holiday Settings
The court heard how the accused allegedly preyed upon tourists in similar circumstances to the McCann family. One charge involves the rape of an elderly woman in her holiday home, while others relate to attacks on young women in coastal areas popular with British visitors.
Portuguese police are reportedly cooperating with German authorities, sharing information about the suspect's activities during the period when multiple British tourists reported being stalked and assaulted.
Legal Complexities in Cross-Border Case
The trial faces jurisdictional challenges as all alleged offences occurred in Portugal. However, German prosecutors are proceeding under legal provisions that allow prosecution of German citizens for serious crimes committed abroad.
Defence lawyers have previously attempted to have the case dismissed, arguing procedural errors in the legal process. The court must now determine whether the evidence gathered across international borders will be admissible.
Ongoing McCann Investigation
While this trial addresses separate charges, investigators acknowledge the significance of establishing the defendant's pattern of behaviour in Portugal during the relevant period. Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, continue to maintain hope for answers about their daughter's fate.
The case continues to captivate international attention, raising questions about tourist safety and cross-border criminal investigations within the European Union.
