Overview
Distressing voicemails claimed to be from a missing girl have emerged in a high-profile UK court case. Polish national Julia Wandelt, 24, and her associate Karen Spragg, 61, are accused of stalking Kate McCann, Madeleine McCann’s mother, between June 2022 and February this year. The trial at Leicester Crown Court continues as prosecutors outline a pattern of contact that has left a family seeking answers and protection.
Background to the case
Madeleine McCann vanished in 2007 while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz, Portugal. Since then, her disappearance has become one of the world’s most scrutinized missing-person mysteries. The current proceedings focus on alleged stalking and harassment episodes tied to Wandelt and Spragg’s interactions with Kate McCann, including repeated phone calls and messages that purported to involve Madeleine’s identity.
Distressing voicemails presented in court
During hearings, jurors heard several voicemails allegedly left by Wandelt. In one recording, she claimed a DNA result showed a near 70 percent match to Kate McCann, prompting the statement, “You are my mother, it’s science no one can deny it.” In other messages, Wandelt suggested that Madeleine might still be alive, challenging the mother’s beliefs and urging a DNA test. The messages raised questions about the motive behind the calls and the impact on the McCann family.
Key allegations and courtroom incident
Prosecutors say Wandelt repeatedly contacted Kate McCann, sometimes at night, and pressured the family for a DNA test. On one occasion she asserted the possibility of being Madeleine and pressed for verification. The court heard that Wandelt did not stop after warnings and continued to pursue contact, including in-person encounters that were described as deeply distressing by Mrs McCann.
In October 2024, a call to Mrs McCann was answered by her husband, Gerry McCann, who reportedly told Wandelt that she had the wrong number. The assailant persisted, leaving another voicemail that concluded with, “I won’t give up and I will prove my point.”
Close encounter at the McCanns’ home
There was a troubling incident when Wandelt and Spragg visited the McCanns’ home without permission. Mrs McCann described the event as frightening, stating that she felt distressed when Wandelt appeared at the door and attempted to keep it open. She recalled the moment Wandelt referred to herself as “mum” and pressed for DNA testing, which intensified the fear surrounding the intrusion.
Current status of the case
Wandelt and Spragg deny the charges of stalking and harassment. The trial has heard direct evidence from the victim and described the defendants’ behavior as persistent and distressing. As proceedings continue, the court is weighing the evidence to determine whether the actions constitute stalking under relevant law and what, if any, charges should follow beyond the current accusations.
What this means for Madeleine’s family and broader implications
The case underscores the ongoing strain placed on families of missing persons when intrusive communications occur many years after a disappearance. For Kate McCann, the disturbance compounds the long, unresolved grief surrounding Madeleine’s fate and adds new layers to a case that has long captured international attention. Legal experts note that the outcome could influence how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly regarding online and telephonic harassment linked to high-profile missing-child cases.
Looking ahead
The trial is expected to continue with further testimonies and evidence. As the court examines the credibility and context of the voicemails, relatives and advocates for missing children will be watching closely for how justice can balance protection for families with the rights of the accused.
