Jury Hears Shocking Claims of Alleged McCann Stalker Approaching Vigil Organizer
Madeleine McCann: Court Hears Testimonies in Stalking Case Involving Alleged Impersonator
Vigil Organizer Gives Emotional Testimony in McCann Case
In a poignant session at Leicester Crown Court, Janet Kennedy, a key organizer of the annual vigil commemorating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, shared her experiences after encountering an alleged stalker claiming to be the missing girl. Julia Wandelt, who asserts she is Madeleine, and co-defendant Karen Spragg are facing charges of stalking Kate and Gerry McCann.
Allegations Emerge During Rothley Vigil
Ms. Kennedy recounted a surprising incident at the May 3, 2024, vigil in Rothley, Leicestershire. During the event, Ms. Wandelt attempted to hand her an envelope, claiming it contained information regarding her identity as Madeleine McCann. Despite trying to remain composed, Ms. Kennedy was shocked by the claim and advised Ms. Wandelt to contact the appropriate investigators.
Testimonies from Religious Service Leaders
Reverend Robert Gladstone, who led the vigil service, and Mrs. Kennedy both recalled additional unsettling encounters with Ms. Wandelt. Reverend Gladstone noted that Ms. Wandelt introduced herself as Madeleine and conveyed a troubling personal history, which he dismissed promptly.
Impact on the McCann Family
The trial revealed that Kate and Gerry McCann were unable to attend the vigil. Ms. Kennedy, a confidante to Kate McCann, described ongoing media coverage of Ms. Wandelt’s assertions and disturbances it caused within the family.
Police Involvement and DNA Claims
Detective Constable Mark Draycott of Operation Grange, the Metropolitan Police investigation into Madeleine’s disappearance, testified about extensive communication from Ms. Wandelt. An email sent to a parish church included claims of DNA similarities and distinctive physical traits. However, after an investigation, police ruled out her connection to the case.
Recording Raises Further Concerns
A conversation between Det Con Draycott and Ms. Wandelt, recorded without his consent and featured in a YouTube podcast, further spotlighted the complexities in this extraordinary case. Det Con Draycott emphatically communicated to Ms. Wandelt that she was not Madeleine.
Continuing Legal Proceedings
Julia Wandelt from Lubin, Poland, and Karen Spragg from Cardiff deny charges of stalking, covering events from June 2022 to February this year. As the trial progresses, the court continues to unravel this perplexing narrative.
