FEARS MADDIE SUSPECT WILL BE FREED EARLY

Rapist Brueckner 'could be released 10 days early' to avoid media storm

- ADAM ASPINALL

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

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.