Overview
In a developing stalking trial that has reignited public interest in the Madeleine McCann case, Kate McCann has begun answering questions from prosecutor Michael Duck KC. The testimony centers on interactions with Julia Wandelt, a figure who has repeatedly claimed to be Madeleine McCann, and it sheds light on how the investigation has unfolded in recent years.
Key aspects of Kate McCann’s testimony
Mrs McCann confirmed details about her personal contact numbers, noting that her phone number has remained unchanged since Madeleine’s disappearance in 2007. The prosecutor then shifted focus to Julia Wandelt, with Mrs McCann stating that she was first contacted by Wandelt about three years ago. This marks a turning point in the case, as it ties Wandelt’s assertions directly to the McCanns’ private communications history.
Mrs McCann recalled a specific phone call in which Wandelt attempted to reach her husband, Gerry McCann, by calling Glenfield Hospital. This aligns with earlier testimony that Wandelt had used the hospital’s switchboard in an effort to contact the McCanns’ family circle, a detail that prosecutors have highlighted as part of the broader pattern of activity surrounding Wandelt’s claims.
The evidence presented today complements a wider narrative that has emerged over the past week in court: Wandelt has presented as Madeleine in various confrontations and media appearances, while supporters including Karen Spragg have publicly backed the conspiracy theory alleging the McCanns were responsible for Madeleine’s disappearance. The court has described Spragg as a vocal supporter who became actively involved in promoting Wandelt’s story.
The prosecution’s narrative
Prosecutors describe the defendants as acting “as a team,” expanding their reach through a network of supporters. The court has heard that this network extended to other individuals, including David Payne and his wife, who had been associated with the McCanns on the night Madeleine disappeared. Journal entries and messages shown in court include discussions about examining the McCanns’ household waste as part of an ongoing inquiry into Madeleine’s fate.
Another focal point of the prosecution’s case is Wandelt’s arrest, which occurred at Bristol Airport on 19 February this year. The arrest came after she had embarked on a flight, with Karen Spragg being arrested subsequently while awaiting the arrival of co-accused in a car park. The testimonies suggest a coordinated effort by the defendants to pursue and amplify Wandelt’s claims, with potential implications for the individuals named in the case and their motivations.
What to expect next in court
As the trial advances, the jury is expected to hear further details about how Wandelt may have used social and personal channels to push her narrative, and how the McCanns’ responses were affected by the mounting public attention. The court’s focus on documentary evidence, phone records, and witness statements will continue to shape the trajectory of the case, with a particular emphasis on the alleged pattern of contact and the alleged coordination among defendants.
Public interest and impact
The case remains highly sensitive due to the enduring questions surrounding Madeleine McCann’s disappearance. While the current proceedings center on stalking and conspiracy allegations, the surrounding media attention has prompted renewed debate about online behavior, the ethics of civilian investigations, and the balance between public interest and the presumption of innocence. The courtroom is expected to provide further clarity on the motives and actions of those involved, with significant implications for all parties connected to the case.
Conclusion
Kate McCann’s testimony marks a critical phase in a trial that intersects with one of the most scrutinized missing-child cases in modern history. As the court continues to hear from witnesses linked to Wandelt’s claims and the broader conspiracy narrative, observers await further revelations about how this case has evolved from social-media allegations into formal legal proceedings.
