Full Breakdown
Trial of Julia Wandelt and Karen Spragg for Stalking the McCann Family
10/8/2025, 5:42:16 AM
Overview of the Case
Julia Wandelt, a 24-year-old from Lubin, Poland, and Karen Spragg, a 61-year-old from Cardiff, are currently on trial at Leicester Crown Court, accused of stalking Kate and Gerry McCann, the parents of missing child Madeleine McCann. The prosecution alleges that between June 2022 and February 2025, the defendants engaged in a campaign of harassment that included sending numerous messages, making phone calls, and confronting the McCann family at their home.
Details of the Allegations
The court heard that Wandelt claimed to be Madeleine McCann, who disappeared in May 2007 while on holiday in Portugal. Prosecutor Michael Duck KC stated that Wandelt attempted to convince anyone willing to listen that she was the missing girl, asserting that she had been abducted and taken to Poland. The prosecution presented "unequivocal scientific evidence" indicating that Wandelt has no familial link to the McCanns, emphasizing that she is not Madeleine.
Wandelt reportedly bombarded Kate McCann with over 60 calls and messages in a single day, including claims of having memories from her childhood. In one voicemail, she stated, “I know my accent is Polish... but I know what I know, I know what I remember. Please just give me a chance, I’m not a liar, I’m not crazy.” Additionally, she left a letter signed “Madeleine x,” which the prosecution described as a “final, cruel signature.”
Confrontations with the McCanns
On several occasions, Wandelt and Spragg confronted the McCanns directly. In December 2024, they attempted to accost Kate McCann as she returned home, demanding a DNA test. The court heard that Wandelt tried to prevent Kate from entering her house and that both defendants banged on the door, causing distress to the family. The following day, Wandelt left a note at the McCann residence, expressing her desire to connect with them and asking for a DNA test.
The prosecution also revealed that the defendants had discussed plans to collect DNA samples from the McCanns by going through their rubbish, a plan they ultimately did not execute.
Defense and Counterarguments
Both Wandelt and Spragg deny the charges of stalking causing serious alarm and distress. Their defense has not yet been detailed in the sources provided, but the prosecution has characterized Wandelt as a manipulative conspiracy theorist who understood the distress her actions were causing the McCann family.
Broader Implications
The case highlights the ongoing public fascination and conspiracy theories surrounding Madeleine McCann's disappearance, which remains unsolved. Prosecutor Duck noted that the McCanns have faced relentless scrutiny and harassment since their daughter went missing, stating, “There remains a group of individuals who continue to fail to acknowledge their plight and perpetuate conspiracy theories.”
What's Next
The trial is ongoing, with further evidence and testimonies expected to be presented. The court will continue to examine the actions of Wandelt and Spragg, as well as the impact of their alleged stalking on the McCann family.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Can we at this very early stage in the trial make this position clear – that Julia Wandelt is not Madeleine McCann.” — Michael Duck KC, Prosecutor
- “Nothing gives you the right to pursue and stalk people just because you want them to bend to your will and do as you demand or request.” — Michael Duck KC, Prosecutor
- “I know my accent is Polish because I live here, I know I look fat and I know I’m not pretty like Madeleine was in the past, but I know what I know, I know what I remember.” — Julia Wandelt, during a voicemail to Kate McCann.
The trial continues as the court seeks to unravel the complexities of this distressing case.
