A recent video has emerged showing a woman falsely claiming to be Madeleine McCann at the family’s residence. Julia Wandelt, aged 24, has been sentenced to six months in jail for harassing the missing girl’s family. The Polish national has also received a restraining order preventing her from approaching Kate and Gerry McCann. During the trial, it was revealed that Wandelt had visited the family’s home, sent disturbing letters, and requested a DNA test, although she was acquitted of stalking charges.
Footage captured by a doorbell camera from the McCanns’ neighbors depicted Wandelt and her co-accused, Karen Spragg, walking near the residence. The incident occurred on a dark evening in December 7, 2024, just before Wandelt confronted Kate and Gerry.
Recordings of the encounter outside the McCanns’ home captured Mrs. McCann expressing distress over the situation. Following this, the couple received a troubling letter addressed to “Dear Mum (Kate)” and signed as “Lots of love, Madeleine.” Further communications from Wandelt to Mrs. McCann referred to her as “mummy” and claimed a maternal connection.
During sentencing, Judge Mrs. Justice Cutts affirmed that Wandelt was not Madeleine McCann and criticized her behavior towards the McCanns, highlighting their right to privacy given the circumstances surrounding their child’s disappearance. Responding to the court’s decision, Kate and Gerry McCann expressed their desire for the harassment to end and hoped that Wandelt would receive appropriate care and support.
As part of her restraining order, Wandelt is prohibited from entering Leicestershire indefinitely, with potential deportation on the horizon. Meanwhile, Karen Spragg, Wandelt’s co-accused, was acquitted of stalking or harassment charges but has been banned from the county for five years. Mrs. Justice Cutts remarked on Spragg’s involvement in the situation, perceiving her support for Wandelt as driven by a fascination with drama and conspiracy theories.
