A woman, previously claiming to be Madeleine McCann, has been convicted of harassing the McCann family by showing up at their residence, sending disturbing letters, and requesting a DNA test. Julia Wandelt, a 24-year-old from Lubin, Poland, sobbed in court as she insisted she was the missing girl, a claim dismissed by Leicester Crown Court. Wandelt has been sentenced to six months in prison and issued a restraining order against contacting Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry, due to the perceived risk of future harassment.
Wandelt propagated the false narrative of being Madeleine while harassing the McCanns through emails, voicemails, and visits to their home. The jury found Wandelt guilty of harassment but acquitted her co-defendant Karen Spragg of any charges. Shortly after the verdict was delivered, the trial judge, Mrs. Justice Cutts, highlighted Wandelt’s prolonged incarceration since her arrest in February and emphasized that Wandelt’s relentless actions towards the McCanns were unwarranted and unkind.
Prosecution counsel Michael Duck KC argued for a restraining order against Wandelt citing clear harassment towards the McCann family. Mrs. Justice Cutts, during sentencing, mentioned Wandelt’s impending deportation and reiterated that her release was not within the judge’s purview. David Payne, a friend of the McCanns, expressed surprise and concern over Wandelt possessing private photos of the families, prompting further unease.
Wandelt’s emotional outburst in court revealed her exhaustion with the situation, stating that she believed she was Madeleine but was willing to accept a different conclusion. Despite her belief, DNA evidence conclusively proved that Wandelt and Madeleine were not a match. The judge reiterated the maximum sentence for harassment and expressed gratitude to the jury for their diligence in examining the evidence.
