This development could affect the investigation and the years-long effort to find enough evidence and charge the prime suspect, German Christian B.
He is currently on trial for unrelated sex crimes – three counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault – which he denies.
A former friend of his, Helge Busching, mobilized the police by reporting to Scotland Yard that his friend had “confessed” to Madeleine’s abduction, revealing that he “didn’t cry” when he took her.
Mr Busching, a convicted felon, gave evidence at the current trial two days ago and was questioned about his role in the Madeleine investigation, revealing that British detectives flew to meet him and spent three days interviewing him.
But on Friday, another person known to give evidence said Mr Busching had recently been diagnosed with bowel cancer and did not have much time to live.
Michael Tatschl, an Austrian carpenter, told the court in Germany: “When we spoke four days ago on the phone, we discussed general things, including his cancer. It is very bad. He was only diagnosed two months ago.”
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