A woman facing charges of stalking Madeleine McCann’s family has expressed uncertainty about whether she is the missing daughter. Julia Wandelt, a Polish national, has reportedly declared herself to be Madeleine, who disappeared during a family vacation in Portugal in 2007. Accused of stalking Kate and Gerry McCann by sending emails, making phone calls, and showing up at their residence, Wandelt stated in court that she would retreat if shown conclusive evidence that she is not Madeleine.
Under questioning by prosecutor Michael Duck KC, Wandelt hesitated when asked if she still believes she could be Madeleine McCann, insisting she is “50/50” on the matter until presented with definitive documentation proving otherwise. When pressed further, Wandelt emotionally expressed a desire for an investigation into her own disappearance and the circumstances surrounding her presence.
Regarding a letter addressed to Mrs. McCann signed off as “Madeleine,” Wandelt clarified that her intent was not to apologize for causing distress, but rather to acknowledge Mrs. McCann’s assertion of distress. In response to queries about her visit to the McCanns’ home in December 2024, Wandelt maintained that her actions were not intended to intimidate, emphasizing that if she were seeking her missing child, she would feel comfortable engaging with someone claiming to be that child.
Wandelt, along with co-accused Karen Spragg from Cardiff, is currently on trial for allegedly stalking the McCanns for over two-and-a-half years. Spragg faces charges related to causing serious alarm or distress by making calls, sending letters, and visiting the McCanns’ residence. The trial is ongoing.
