A woman facing accusations of stalking the family of Madeleine McCann has expressed uncertainty about whether she is the missing daughter. Julia Wandelt, a Polish national aged 24, has purportedly asserted that she could be Madeleine, who disappeared during a family vacation in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007. The prosecution claims that Wandelt spread false information about her identity as Madeleine while harassing Kate and Gerry McCann through emails, phone calls, and visits to their residence in Leicester Crown Court.
During questioning by prosecutor Michael Duck KC, Wandelt was asked if she still holds the belief that she might be Madeleine McCann. She responded by stating that she is “50/50” on the matter and emphasized the importance of being provided with conclusive documentation to verify her identity. When questioned further about her beliefs, Wandelt maintained that she is unsure and expressed a desire for an investigation into her own disappearance and circumstances.
Regarding a letter addressed to Mrs. McCann and signed off as “Madeleine,” Wandelt explained that she did not apologize for causing distress but acknowledged the distress Mrs. McCann felt. In response to queries about her presence at the McCanns’ home in December 2024, Wandelt clarified that she did not intend to intimidate them and would be willing to engage with someone claiming to be her missing child if she were in a similar situation.
The trial involves Wandelt and her co-accused Karen Spragg from Cardiff, who is facing charges of stalking related to serious alarm or distress caused to the McCanns through calls, letters, and visits. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with no resolution reached yet.