Overview of the Case
A stalking trial at Leicester Crown Court has heard claims that a DNA test taken from a Polish woman, Julia Wandelt, conclusively proved she is not Madeleine McCann. Wandelt and her co-defendant, Karen Spragg, 61, deny charges of stalking Madeleine McCann’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann. The case has reignited public interest in one of the world’s most high-profile missing-child cases, which remains unsolved.
What Was Said About the DNA Test
According to prosecutors, DNA samples were collected from Ms Wandelt when she was arrested in December 2024, and the result was then provided to her in Peterborough Prison in April. The assertion, as relayed in court, is that the DNA test “conclusively proved” that Ms Wandelt is not Madeleine McCann. The claim is central to the defence’s position, which maintains that Wandelt has insisted she is Madeleine and has engaged in a campaign of contact with the McCanns and others associated with the case.
Context Within the Investigation
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cramwell, who led Operation Grange—the Metropolitan Police’s inquiry into Madeleine McCann’s disappearance—told the court that testing Wandelt’s DNA was considered as a potential way to curb what police described as persistent and distressing behaviour toward the McCanns. He said the decision to test the DNA was weighed carefully, stating that it was “outside the framework” of routine procedures but necessary to address ongoing concerns.
What the McCanns Were Told
Solicitors and police shared communications with the McCanns, who historically maintained that the person believed by the public to be their daughter is not Wandelt. The court heard that after media coverage of Wandelt’s claims intensified, a photo of her was sent to the McCanns. The family liaison officer, Det Sgt Roger Bearn, reported that the McCanns responded they were confident their daughter was not present in the image.
Prior Communications and Reactions
In September 2024, Det Sgt Bearn asked whether the McCanns wished to pursue any formal action. He advised against “words of advice” given Wandelt’s prior recording of a phone call with a Grange officer and its later appearance on a true-crime podcast. The court has heard that no formal legal steps were pursued at that time, although the situation prompted discussions about potential actions.
The Alleged Behaviour and Stalking Claims
Wandelt, who has asserted for years that she is Madeleine, has allegedly pursued the McCanns with messages, calls, and visits. The defence argues that Wandelt’s conduct has caused serious alarm and distress. The case also features the involvement of Mrs Spragg, who is accused of complicity in the alleged stalking. The recorded conversation cited in court includes Mrs Spragg urging the McCanns to take Wandelt seriously and suggesting a possible “cover-up.”
Current Status of the Trial
The trial has heard about the events leading up to Wandelt’s arrest in February 2025, including her return to the UK via Bristol Airport and Mrs Spragg’s subsequent detention. Jurors will assess whether the defendants’ actions meet the legal threshold for stalking and the level of distress alleged by the McCanns. As the case continues, the court will weigh evidence about Wandelt’s identity claims, the police response, and the broader implications for how high-profile missing-person cases are handled in the media and the community.
Why This Case Draws Public Interest
Madeleine McCann’s disappearance has captivated audiences worldwide for years, making any new development a matter of public fascination and concern. The trial highlights the delicate balance between verifying claims that could ease a family’s distress and ensuring due process for individuals accused of wrongdoing. The proceedings will likely focus on the impact of ongoing allegations on the McCanns, the accused, and those who have followed this case closely.
What Comes Next
Jurors will continue to hear testimony, including further details about the DNA testing and its presentation in court. The outcome will hinge on whether prosecutors can establish that the alleged stalking occurred beyond reasonable doubt and whether the DNA evidence played a decisive role in the broader allegations surrounding the case.
