Madeleine McCann’s Parents React to Conviction of Woman Falsely Claiming to Be Their Daughter
The McCann family has expressed their sorrow after Julia Wandelt was found guilty of harassment. Wandelt falsely claimed to be Madeleine McCann, who vanished in 2007. After the verdict, parents Kate and Gerry McCann stated, “We take no pleasure in the result.”
Details of the Conviction
Wandelt, a 24-year-old Polish national, was convicted of harassing the McCanns but cleared of stalking charges. Leicester Crown Court’s judge, Mrs. Justice Cutts, remarked on Wandelt’s “pestering” as “unwarranted” and “unkind.” The judge imposed a restraining order due to the risk of repeated harassment.
Judicial Rulings
- The judge sentenced Wandelt to six months in prison.
- Wandelt has already served time since her arrest in February.
- A notice of deportation has been issued against her.
Mrs. Justice Cutts emphasized that a restraining order was imperative to protect the McCanns from future harassment.
Background on Julia Wandelt
Wandelt claimed that memories induced by hypnosis suggested she was abducted and raised in an environment different from her biological parents. She juxtaposed herself with images of Madeleine, asserting a resemblance. Over three years, she amassed around 500,000 followers on Instagram, promoting her claims.
Despite being warned by police not to approach the McCann family, Wandelt sent numerous messages, including more than 60 to Kate McCann in a single day. A DNA test ultimately confirmed she was not Madeleine.
Impact on the McCann Family
Throughout the trial, the McCanns provided testimony detailing the distress caused by Wandelt’s actions. They described the severe emotional toll of Wandelt’s relentless communications.
Co-defendant Involvement
Wandelt’s co-defendant, 61-year-old Karen Spragg from Cardiff, faced similar allegations but was found not guilty of stalking. Nevertheless, she received a restraining order for five years, mirroring restrictions placed on Wandelt.
Key Points from the Trial
- Kate and Gerry McCann aim for peace after a prolonged harassment ordeal.
- The McCanns continue to cope with the emotional impact of their daughter’s disappearance.
- The case sheds light on issues related to mental health and the handling of false claims.
The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing emotional burden faced by the McCann family while highlighting the legal implications for individuals making unsubstantiated claims.
