If acquitted of the current charges, Brückner could be released next year, complicating the ongoing investigation into Madeleine's disappearance.

Despite the media interest, the case of Maddie McCann is not officially part of the current trial, and the presumption of innocence applies to Brückner.

German authorities have not yet charged Brückner with the presumed murder of Madeleine McCann, despite claiming to have 'concrete evidence' of her death.

Testimony from a former cellmate revealed that Brückner allegedly confessed to abducting a child in Portugal, although this remains unproven in court.

The trial against Christian Brückner, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, is nearing its conclusion, with final witness testimonies expected soon.

Closing arguments are anticipated in the second week of October 2024, following a lengthy trial that began in February.

Brückner is currently on trial for unrelated sex offenses committed in Portugal between 2000 and 2017, which include multiple assaults.

The charges against him involve serious allegations, including the sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl and multiple rapes, with victims ranging from children to elderly women.

Prosecutor Ute Lindemann is seeking a conviction on two counts of rape and two counts of sexual abuse, along with a recommendation for preventive detention after his sentence.

A psychiatrist has indicated that Brückner falls into the highest danger category for reoffending, although he could only provide a suspected diagnosis due to Brückner's refusal to meet.

German prosecutors are seeking a 15-year prison sentence for Brückner for these unrelated sex crimes, along with subsequent preventive detention.

Brückner, who is already serving a seven-year sentence for a 2005 rape in Portugal, has been described as a known sex offender with a history of violent behavior.