Alleged Stalker Shares Emotional Account Outside McCann Family Residence

A woman accused of stalking the parents of missing child Madeleine McCann has recounted a deeply emotional encounter outside the McCann family residence. Julia Wandelt, along with her co-defendant Karen Spragg, faces charges relating to their alleged actions towards the McCanns.

Details of the Encounter

The incident took place on December 7, 2024, when Wandelt approached Kate McCann outside her home in Rothley, Leicestershire. Wandelt testified in court that upon seeing Mrs. McCann, both women were visibly emotional.

• Wandelt claimed, “She started crying straight away, I got too upset.”
• Mr. McCann later told Wandelt, “Julia, I think you need help.”

Legal Context and Evidence

The reason for Wandelt’s visit was to present a DNA report, hoping to prove her identity as Madeleine McCann. Despite her attempts, Mrs. McCann refused to engage and indicated she would call the police. Wandelt insisted she did not intend to cause distress, stating, “I did not have the finances to pay for a private test.”

The DNA test, administered after Wandelt’s arrest at Bristol Airport in February 2024, conclusively demonstrated she is not Madeleine McCann, as reiterated in court by Det Ch Insp Mark Cramwell from Operation Grange.

Background on the Case

Madeleine McCann disappeared in Portugal in 2007 at the age of three. Her case has drawn significant media attention and remains unresolved. Wandelt’s conviction that she could be Madeleine was reportedly fueled by a correspondence she had with an American woman named Fia Johansson, who had also expressed similar beliefs.

Communication Attempts

The court heard about multiple messages from Wandelt to Mrs. McCann from April 13, 2024, including numerous voicemails. Wandelt expressed desperation for contact, stating in one message, “I just need one call and that is all.”

• She reminisced about memories connected to Madeleine’s disappearance.
• Wandelt contended that her fixation on being Madeleine outweighed any emotional distress she may have caused.

This trial continues as more details will emerge regarding Wandelt’s claims and the ongoing investigation into the unresolved case of Madeleine McCann.