The prime suspect in the high-profile case of Madeleine McCann's disappearance has been released from prison in Germany, where he has been serving a sentence for an unrelated offence. Christian Brückner was driven out in a black Audi by his lawyer with a police escort shortly after 09:00 local time (07:00 GMT). Brückner wasn't visible in the car but police confirmed he had left Sehnde prison. He had been convicted of raping a 72-year-old American woman in Portugal in 2005 and will be fitted with an ankle tag after his release from the prison near Hanover. The German national, 48, has never been charged with any crime in relation to the McCann case and denies any involvement. Local police spokesman Lars Dehnert emphasized that the release process was designed to be as smooth as possible. Meanwhile, in the UK, the Metropolitan Police continue to treat the case as an ongoing missing persons inquiry. Since Madeleine vanished in 2007, Brückner has been a central figure in various police investigations, yet no conclusive evidence has led to charges in connection with her disappearance. The investigation continues as authorities remain vigilant about Brückner's movements post-release.