"His eyes were bored in my skull" Hazel Behan

The Parting Glass · 2025-05-13

45:10

"The Eyes She Never Forgot"

In 2004, 20-year-old Hazel Behan was brutally attacked in her apartment in Portugal. Tied up, raped at knifepoint, and filmed by a masked man who entered through a broken balcony door. Her case went cold. Years later, she recognised her attacker’s eyes in a news report. The man? Christian Brückner, now the main suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

Hazel took the stand. He was acquitted.

Now, she's taking her fight to the European Court of Human Rights, accusing Portuguese authorities of failing her -and others.

This is the story of trauma, courage, and a woman demanding justice, not just for herself, but for survivors everywhere.

⚠️ Content warning: this episode contains descriptions of sexual violence.

🆘 If you have been affected by sexual violence, support is available:

🇮🇪 Ireland –

Rape Crisis Centre 24-Hour Helpline: 1800 77 88 88

Visit: www.drcc.ie

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The Parting Glass

"Stories bring us together, untold stories keep us apart"

Welcome to The Parting Glass, where each week we raise a toast to the resilience, and heart of Dublin.

You will hear from Dubliners who have faced life's challenges head on yet never lost that famous wit. Through their stories, we hear how they've overcome adversity and kept their spirits high even in the darkest times.

Fill to me the Parting Glass - listen to Dublin's unbreakable spirit...one story at a time.

Hosted by Niamh Ryan

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Slainte !!

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