Julia Wandelt, a woman known for fabricating stories about Madeleine McCann, was convicted of harassment for showing up at the McCann family’s residence and sending them disturbing letters and messages requesting a DNA test. Wandelt, aged 24, faces deportation from the UK after receiving a six-month prison sentence, which was less than her time spent in custody awaiting trial. She was acquitted of stalking charges.
A judge has deemed Wandelt a significant risk for potentially harassing the McCanns in the future, leading to her potential deportation from the country. Wandelt’s father, Jacek, recounted a troubling encounter with her before Christmas, where she claimed to him, “Daddy, I love you, but you are not my dad, I am Madeleine McCann.” Despite his efforts to reason with her, she persisted in her delusion.
Jacek expressed concern for his daughter’s well-being, stating that she is not malevolent but in need of help. In response to the verdict, Kate and Gerry McCann expressed their relief that the harassment ordeal may finally come to an end, emphasizing that they did not seek to pursue legal action but simply wished for the harassment to cease.
The McCanns released a statement acknowledging the guilty verdict of harassment but emphasizing their lack of satisfaction with the outcome. They highlighted the decision to prosecute as made by the Crown Prosecution Service based on police evidence. The McCanns expressed hope that Wandelt would receive appropriate care and support to address her vulnerabilities and prevent exploitation by others.
Additionally, the statement urged anyone with new information regarding Madeleine’s disappearance to share it with the authorities. During the five-week trial at Leicester Crown Court, it was revealed that Wandelt claimed to have false memories induced by hypnosis, including being abducted and living with the McCanns as a child. Wandelt also falsely alleged being kidnapped from Portugal and subjected to abuse in Poland, causing emotional distress during Mrs. McCann’s testimony against her.
