Leicester Crown Court hears McCanns stalked by Wandelt and Spragg

A Polish woman who has repeatedly alleged she is missing child Madeleine McCann and a Welsh supporter are on trial at Leicester Crown Court accused of stalking the McCanns by contacting them hundreds of times, visiting their home and confronting family members between June 2022 and February 2025, jurors heard on Wednesday. Prosecutors say 24-year-old Julia Wandelt and 61-year-old Karen Spragg caused the family serious alarm and distress through calls, messages, voicemails, social media contact and two doorstep visits, one in December 2024 that left the parents shaken.

The court was played recordings and read messages in which Wandelt told Kate McCann she remembered childhood scenes and implored the family to carry out a DNA test, at times asking "What if I'm her?" Prosecutors said Wandelt repeatedly contacted Kate, at one point ringing more than 60 times in a single day, and sent social media messages and edited photographs to Madeleines younger siblings, twins Amelie and Sean. The following day after the December visit, the court heard, a letter was posted through the McCanns' door addressed "Dear Mum Kate" and signed "Madeleine x."

Kate McCann gave evidence from behind a...