A woman, identified as Julia Wandelt, a Polish national, broke down in tears while standing trial for allegedly stalking the family of Madeleine McCann. Kate McCann, the mother of the missing girl, refuted claims that Wandelt was her daughter during her testimony at Leicester Crown Court. Wandelt is accused of harassing the McCann family for over two and a half years by pretending to be Madeleine, who disappeared in Portugal in 2007.
Kate, speaking from behind a curtain in court, stated that upon seeing a photo of Wandelt, it was evident that she was not Madeleine. Wandelt is alleged to have bombarded Kate and Gerry McCann with letters, calls, voicemails, WhatsApp messages, and Instagram messages to their twin children, Amelie and Sean McCann.
Kate revealed that she did not respond to Wandelt’s messages, stating, “I didn’t want to engage.” The prosecution claimed that Wandelt relentlessly contacted Kate, making over 60 calls and messages in a single day last year. A voicemail was played in court where Wandelt purportedly claimed to be Madeleine, pleading with Kate not to give up on her.
When asked about taking a DNA test as requested by Wandelt, Kate admitted feeling pressured by the persistent behavior but ultimately decided against it. Wandelt, emotional in the dock, insisted on having memories of Madeleine’s childhood before being taken to Poland. Kate recalled first encountering Wandelt when she called the hospital where Madeleine’s parents worked.
Kate contacted the authorities when Wandelt attempted to reach her daughter, Amelie, stating that it was a breaking point for her. Wandelt is standing trial alongside Karen Spragg, accused of stalking the McCanns by making calls, sending letters, and visiting their home. Both women were reported to have waited outside the McCann residence, surprising Kate upon her return. The trial is ongoing.