A Metropolitan Police detective has shed light on a pivotal moment in the investigation of missing Madeleine McCann: when a voicemail left with Scotland Yard officers ignited significant leads.
Detective Constable Mark Draycott, a key figure in Operation Grange, the inquiry into Madeleine’s disappearance in 2007 in Portugal, became the first officer to provide insights into the case.
Called to the stand by the defense team of Christian Brueckner, a convicted pedophile and a suspect in Madeleine’s case, DC Draycott disclosed details about a crucial voicemail left with authorities in Scotland Yard.
Brueckner’s former acquaintance, Helge Busching, reached out to Scotland Yard in 2017, leaving a message on their answering machine. Busching alleged that Brueckner had shared details with him about Madeleine’s disappearance, claiming, “she did not scream.”
DC Draycott recounted the events, stating, “Members of the public could ring in information in relation to Operation Grange. On May 18, I checked the answer phone and there was a message.” This message led to subsequent investigations into Brueckner by German and Portuguese authorities.
Following the voicemail, DC Draycott was part of the Scotland Yard team that traveled to Athens to interview Busching, who had recently been released from a Greek jail. Although Busching initially hesitated to provide a statement, he eventually cooperated, offering insights into conversations he had with Brueckner at the Orgiva Festival in 2008.
When questioned about any promises made to Busching, DC Draycott clarified, “We don’t make promises to witnesses. We never pay witnesses for information.” However, expenses were covered for Busching’s travel and accommodation.
In February 2018, Busching flew to London to provide a formal statement, which was prepared based on the information he had already provided. Despite feeling unwell during the process, Busching remained committed to aiding the investigation.
DC Draycott emphasised Busching’s determination to assist, stating, “He had traveled a long way and still wanted to help police.”
