A woman accused of stalking Madeleine McCann’s parents has claimed that Kate McCann withheld information from the police, as detailed during her trial. Julia Wandelt, a 24-year-old from Lubin, Poland, is facing allegations of impersonating Madeleine McCann and harassing the McCann family through emails, calls, voicemails, and personal visits.
During her testimony at Leicester Crown Court, Wandelt expressed her innocence, stating that Kate McCann failed to disclose significant interactions they had, raising questions about the credibility of her memories. Wandelt suggested that the McCanns may have been threatened, leading to their lack of response to her attempts to reach out.
The prosecutor raised concerns about Wandelt’s unwanted advances towards the McCanns, to which she defended her actions by claiming she was merely trying to help a grieving parent. Wandelt admitted to sending provocative messages out of emotional distress, acknowledging her regret for the statements made.
Additionally, Wandelt mentioned an incident involving Karen Spragg, where emotions ran high during an encounter with Mrs. McCann. Wandelt clarified that she intervened to prevent any aggressive behavior towards Mrs. McCann, acknowledging the delicate nature of the situation.
Wandelt disclosed that she intended to use funds offered by a friend for a DNA test to pursue legal action in family court, aiming to verify her identity and potentially link it to the crime scene evidence. Both Wandelt and her co-defendant, Spragg, deny the charge of stalking as the trial proceeds.