A woman denies stalking Madeleine McCann’s parents
A woman named Julia Wandel, 23, has pleaded not guilty to stalking Kate and Gerry McCann, the parents of missing girl Madeleine McCann. Wandel, hailing from southwest Poland, is accused of making calls, leaving voicemails, and sending messages to the McCanns. Additionally, she allegedly showed up at their family home on two occasions last year and sent Instagram messages to Madeleine’s siblings, Sean and Amelie. The incidents occurred between June 2022 and February this year, leading to her arrest at Bristol Airport. Despite claiming to be Madeleine on Instagram in 2023, a DNA test revealed her true Polish identity.
Another individual accused of stalking
Karen Spragg, 60, also faced charges of stalking the McCann family. Allegedly making calls, sending letters, and visiting the McCanns’ home, Spragg denied the accusations at Leicester Magistrates’ Court. While Wandel was remanded into custody, Spragg, residing in Caerau, Cardiff, was granted conditional bail. Both women are set to stand trial at Leicester Crown Court on 2 October.
The mystery of Madeleine McCann’s disappearance
Madeleine McCann’s disappearance remains one of the most perplexing missing child cases worldwide. In 2007, the three-year-old was last seen in Portugal’s Algarve while vacationing with her family. The parents had left Madeleine in bed with her siblings as they dined nearby, only to discover her missing on 3 May. Despite suspicions surrounding a potential kidnapper, a prosecutor informed Sky News that no charges would be brought in the immediate future.