The man accused of blackmailing media tycoon John de Mol and his television presenter sister Linda has been released from jail because he is suffering from dementia.

A court in Utrecht ruled the health of Dirk M had deteriorated sharply since his arrest in early December and that his brain function would become worse if he has to remain in custody pending the trial.

M, who is 70,  has been ordered to hand over his passport and has been banned from contact with the De Mol family. He has been ordered to reappear in court on June 18.

However, neurologist Philp Scheltens says in Friday’s Telegraaf that the sudden dementia diagnosis is questionable. ‘This is a very deliberate action by someone who makes a plan and prepares it down to the smallest detail,’ he said. ‘That is almost irreconcilable with dementia.’

M has admitted sending a number of blackmail letters to the De Mols demanding money but his motivation remains unclear.