FEARS MADDIE SUSPECT WILL BE FREED EARLY

CHRISTIAN Brueckner's defence team have denied claims the prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case will be back on the streets in weeks.

- BY ADAM ASPINALL

The German paedophile is currently serving a seven-year sentence for raping a pensioner, which is due to end on September 17.

But reports in Portugal suggest he could leave up to 10 days before that date.

A German source close to the case reportedly said: "I've been told from very good sources that they will let him go quietly to avoid any big media attention.

"They also don't want the chance of any vigilante attacking him, in case they need him back to face other charges soon.

"Meanwhile, the police are working around the clock to try to find the final bit of the jigsaw to charge him over the death of three-year-old Madeleine."