Overview of the case in Leicester Crown Court
In Leicester Crown Court, the court heard dramatic testimonies related to Julia Wandelt, who has claimed to be Madeleine McCann. The proceedings shed light on a series of confrontations and online communications that culminated in a dramatic doorstep encounter outside the McCanns’ home. The ongoing case emphasizes the distress caused to Kate and Gerry McCann and the broader questions surrounding Wandelt’s assertions and evidence.
The letter to Kate McCann
One of the central items presented to jurors was a letter Wandelt allegedly posted through the McCanns’ front door the day after a face-to-face confrontation on 7 December 2024. The missive, signed “Madeleine X,” was addressed to Kate McCann and expressed complex emotions and claims. In part, it read that Wandelt felt a close connection, believed there was evidence supporting her case, and urged a DNA test while asserting that Kate might be “stronger than that.”
The prosecution contends the tone of the note illustrated the stalker’s fixation and preoccupation with a reunion that Wandelt insists is valid, despite professional and legal skepticism about her identity and claims.
Prosecution’s opening statements
Prosecutor Michael Duck KC laid out a timeline that began in 2022, when Wandelt reportedly started contacting people claiming to be Madeleine’s mother or relating to the disappearance. The Crown described Wandelt’s early assertions as fluid, initially aligning with other missing-person narratives, before narrowing to the assertion that she is Madeleine herself.
The court was told Wandelt pursued various channels, including contacting a Polish charity handling historic missing persons cases, attempting to reach the McCanns’ hospital workplace, and messaging Madeleine’s sister Amelie and twin brother Sean. Despite these outreach attempts being repeatedly rebuffed, Wandelt allegedly continued to escalate her approach.
Interactions with Madeleine’s sister Amelie
According to the prosecution, Wandelt messaged Amelie with the claim of being “the only hope” and sent doctored images to imply a familial link. The defense did not publicly challenge every detail during the initial phase of the trial, but jurors were shown that the messages were part of Wandelt’s broader effort to present herself as a relative or someone with an undeniable claim to the family.
Background to the 2024 vigil incident
The Crown’s case notes Wandelt’s intent to approach the McCanns during their annual vigil in Rothley, Leicestershire, on 3 May 2024. The plan did not unfold as Wandelt expected because Mr and Mrs McCann were not present at the event that day. Nonetheless, the incident at the vigil is cited as part of a pattern of persistent contact attempts that included online engagement via supporters such as Karen Spragg, who the prosecution described as influential in propagating conspiracy theories about a supposed cover-up.
The doorstep confrontation and arrest
On 7 December 2024, Wandelt and Spragg allegedly confronted the McCanns outside their home and demanded a DNA test. Subsequent events led to Wandelt’s arrest at Bristol Airport in February, while Spragg was detained nearby. The court has heard that the defendants’ actions were distressing to the McCanns and intensified the scrutiny on Wandelt’s assertions and manipulation strategies.
What Kate and Gerry McCann testified
Both Kate and Gerry McCann appeared behind a privacy screen to give evidence. Kate recalled the initial contact years earlier and described the voicemail Wandelt left as a turning point that intensified their concern. Gerry spoke about the impact of Wandelt’s public appearances and the distress associated with her persistence. The couple emphasised the emotional strain of living with ongoing questions about their daughter’s fate and the risk of misidentification or misrepresentation in the media and online spaces.
What’s next in the trial
The prosecution is outlining its case, while the defense will respond in due course. The proceedings continue to dissect Wandelt’s communications, the credibility of her claims, and the broader implications for families touched by missing-child cases. The court will weigh the evidence and determine the appropriate legal decisions regarding charges and any potential verdicts.
Implications for families of missing children
Beyond the courtroom drama, the case underscores the vulnerability of families dealing with high-profile disappearances. It highlights the emotional toll of persistent misidentification, online stalking, and the strain of public scrutiny. The court’s handling of sensitive evidence and the framing of Wandelt’s communications will be watched closely by families and advocates seeking stronger protections against online harassment and the exploitation of real tragedies for personal agendas.
