Kate and Gerry McCann express their lack of satisfaction with the outcome after Julia Wandelt was convicted in court. Wandelt, aged 24, falsely claimed to be their missing daughter Madeleine McCann and has been sentenced to six months in prison for harassing the McCann family. Additionally, she has received a restraining order preventing her from approaching Kate and Gerry McCann due to posing a significant risk of future harassment.
In response to the verdict at Leicester Crown Court, Kate and Gerry released a statement emphasizing their reluctance to go through a court process and their primary goal of stopping the harassment. They state, “Despite the jury’s guilty verdict of harassment, we take no pleasure in the result.” They hope that Wandelt receives the necessary care and support and urge anyone with new evidence related to Madeleine’s disappearance to inform the authorities.
Judge Mrs. Justice Cutts informed Wandelt that she would be imprisoned and issued a restraining order, reiterating that Wandelt is not Madeleine McCann and condemning her unwarranted behavior towards the McCanns. The judge highlighted Wandelt’s persistent contact with the McCanns and their friends, including their children, despite being warned to stop.
Karen Spragg, Wandelt’s co-defendant, was acquitted of stalking or harassment charges. Wandelt has been prohibited from entering Leicestershire as part of her restraining order, which is indefinite or until further notice. The court indicated the possibility of her deportation.
