Madeleine McCann suspect confides in friends as he begs them for help
Madeleine McCann (right) and Christian Brueckner (left)
PA
The prime suspect in the case of Madeleine McCann’s disappearance has begged friends for assistance as he launches a bid to clear his name.
Christian Brueckner, 46, is pleading for support if he is made to stand trial on rape and child sex charges.
The German national, who is a convicted sex offender, started writing letters to friends after claiming prosecutors were making him out to be a “monster”.
Brueckner made contact with at least two former friends, it has been claimed.
Madeleine McCann disappeared during a family holiday in 2007
PAThe pair were reportedly told about the lettters by another ex-friend.
The letters supposedly show Brueckner urging people to "speak in his defence, about what a good guy he was”.
One former friend described the plea as “outrageous” and reiterated they are fully aware of the suspect’s “paedophile” background.
The ex-pal, who alerted other former friends and is still in touch with associates in the Algarve, told the Mirror: “I know of two people who got the messages from Chris. It really freaked them out.
“They hadn’t heard from him in years and then these letters suddenly arrived in the post from Germany.
“He was asking them to speak in his defence, about what a good guy he was.
“He said the German police and prosecutors have it in for him, that they are saying he is a monster.
“It’s outrageous for Chris to ask for help because now we all know about his past.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:“Back when we were hanging with him in the early 2000s it was all a secret. We didn’t know he was a paedophile.
“But now he doesn’t stand a chance of anybody speaking up for him in court.”
Brueckner remains under investigation by German detectives over McCann’s disappearance in 2007.
However, the potential trial on charges of rape and child sex offences are unconnected.
Personnel at Barragem do Arade reservoir, in the Algave, Portugal, as searches begin as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.
PA
Charges were originally filed by prosecutors in the German city of Braunschweig.
Brueckner continues to deny any involvement in McCann’s disappearance.
He is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence for rape and drug trafficking.
The 46-year-old, who was also a prolific burglar, is due for release in 2026.