Kate McCann, the mother of Madeleine McCann, reportedly received numerous text messages from a stalker who claimed to be her missing daughter. The court was informed that Julia Wandelt, a 24-year-old Polish national, and Karen Spragg, 61 from Cardiff, are facing trial at Leicester Crown Court on a charge of stalking, which they both deny.
During the court proceedings, excerpts of text messages allegedly sent by Wandelt to Kate McCann were revealed. One message urged McCann not to block or reject the sender, while another expressed the belief that she was not crazy and recalled past interactions, including being hugged and told she was loved.
Recordings of voicemails left by Wandelt to Mrs. McCann were also presented to the court, where she questioned her identity and pleaded for help, claiming to be Madeleine and insisting that the police were not assisting her in proving her true identity.
The prosecution alleges that Wandelt perpetuated the false claim of being Madeleine McCann while harassing the McCann couple through emails, phone calls, and visits to their residence over the span of several months. The court was told that Wandelt bombarded Kate McCann with over 60 calls and messages in a single day, recounting supposed memories of the abduction and seeking validation from McCann.
Wandelt’s messages detailed supposed memories from her childhood, including interactions with Mrs. McCann, and expressed a desire to connect and prove her identity. She urged the McCanns to consider the possibility that she could be Madeleine and requested DNA testing to confirm her claims.
The court was informed of a late-night message sent to Mrs. McCann, as well as voicemails addressed to Gerry McCann, in which Wandelt sought acknowledgment and cooperation in verifying her identity. Wandelt also mentioned resorting to social media due to feeling compelled to share her story.
The trial is ongoing, with further proceedings expected.