During the trial involving the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, a witness revealed that she had received unsettling messages from a woman accused of stalking the McCann family. David and Fiona Payne, who were friends of the McCanns during their holiday in Portugal in 2007, provided testimony against the accused individuals, Julia Wandelt and Karen Spragg.
Fiona Payne informed the court that she had been in contact with various individuals over the years but had never been approached by anyone claiming to be Madeleine. She recounted receiving messages from Wandelt through Facebook Messenger, including requests to compare DNA samples with Madeleine’s parents.
Furthermore, Mrs. Payne disclosed that her daughter had also been contacted by Wandelt, prompting her to express concern over the emotional manipulation attempted by the accused. Describing the messages as disturbing, she expressed anger at the situation.
In recorded phone calls presented in court, Wandelt allegedly asked David Payne to contact Kate and Gerry McCann, claiming to believe she was Madeleine. The accused faces charges of stalking the McCann family and sending unwarranted communications to various family members. Karen Spragg is also facing a stalking charge in connection with the case, with the alleged incidents spanning from June 2022 to February 2025. The trial is ongoing.