Madeleine McCann suspect could be charged by end of year due to ‘strong new evidence’
5 October 2021, 07:04 | Updated: 5 October 2021, 11:03
The prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann could be charged by Christmas, prosecutors say.
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German authorities identified convicted sex offender Christian B, 44, as a prime suspect in Maddie's case last year.
Madeleine, from Leicestershire, vanished aged three from parents Kate and Gerry’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal.
Read more: What year did Madeleine McCann go missing? Important facts and dates to remember
Officials have been working towards charging him and say they now have "strong new evidence" for a court date by Christmas, the Mirror reported.
Christian B is currently serving seven years for the rape of an elderly woman in Praia da Luz in Portugal’s Algarve coast in 2005 who was attacked in her own home.
The Metropolitan Police continue to treat Madeleine's disappearance as a missing persons inquiry.
Read more: Detectives will stay on Madeleine McCann case 'until there is nothing left'
German prosecutor Hans Christian Walters told The Sun: “We have strong new evidence against the suspect.
"The investigation is proceeding well and we hope to have an update soon.
“I cannot say when for certain but we are working very hard to solve this case and others where he is a suspect.”
