Who is Julia Wandelt? The woman allegedly stalking the McCann family

General
Micheal Olaleye
October 8, 2025
56

Julia Wandelt faces trial over McCann stalking claims. Image Credit: Yahoo News!

Julia Wandelt, 24, from Lubin, Poland, is currently on trial at Leicester Crown Court, accused of stalking Kate and Gerry McCann over two and a half years. Wandelt allegedly contacted the McCanns hundreds of times, accosted them outside their home, and even sent letters claiming she was their missing daughter, Madeleine McCann.

The McCanns’ ordeal intensified in December 2024, when Wandelt and her co-defendant Karen Spragg, 61, visited the family home in Rothley, Leicestershire. Audio recordings played in court reveal Kate McCann pleading with the women to leave as they banged on the door and demanded a DNA test. Wandelt later posted a letter through their door, signed “Madeleine x,” adding emotional distress to the family.

Kate and Gerry McCann: their daughter, Madeleine, disappeared on the evening of 3 May 2007. Image Credit: Joe Giddens/PA

Wandelt’s Claims: Memories of Abduction

Wandelt’s claims go beyond mere stalking. In court, it was revealed she told police she remembered being abducted from Praia da Luz in Portugal in 2007. She described being injected with a substance that paralyzed her and claimed to have been abused by a man during the abduction.

Despite these assertions, police have confirmed that Wandelt is definitively not Madeleine McCann. Prosecutors described her as a persistent conspiracy theorist aware of the distress she caused the family.

Courtroom Drama and Family Reactions

The trial has included emotional testimony from Kate McCann, who described feeling “invaded in her own home” as Wandelt pleaded for a DNA test. Audio evidence also captured Wandelt shouting at the McCanns and attempting to enter the house. Her co-defendant, Karen Spragg, reportedly showed “not one ounce of regret” for her actions.

Kate and Gerry McCann: their daughter, Madeleine, disappeared on the evening of 3 May 2007. Image Credit: PA

Kate McCann also recounted receiving repeated messages in WhatsApp groups and letters signed as “Madeleine,” causing further distress. Authorities had to step in to protect the family, and the defendants were arrested at Bristol Airport on 19 February 2025.

Timeline of Events Leading to Trial

January 2024: Wandelt allegedly contacts Madeleine’s sister, Amelie.
April 2024: Direct communications begin with Kate McCann.
December 2024: Wandelt and Spragg visit the McCann family home; letters signed “Madeleine x” are sent.
February 2025: Both defendants arrested at Bristol Airport.

Current Status of the Trial

Both Julia Wandelt and Karen Spragg deny charges of stalking causing serious alarm and distress. The trial is ongoing at Leicester Crown Court, with prosecutors emphasizing the emotional impact of Wandelt’s actions on the McCann family.

FAQ – Julia Wandelt and McCann Stalking Case

Q1: Who is Julia Wandelt?

A1: Julia Wandelt is a 24-year-old woman from Lubin, Poland, currently on trial at Leicester Crown Court for allegedly stalking Kate and Gerry McCann. She claims to be their missing daughter, Madeleine McCann.

Q2: What is Julia Wandelt accused of?

A2: Wandelt faces charges of stalking causing serious alarm and distress, including repeatedly contacting the McCanns, approaching their home, and sending letters signed “Madelein X”.

Q3: Is Julia Wandelt actually Madeleine McCann?

A3: No. Authorities have confirmed that Wandelt is not Madeleine McCann. DNA and investigative work have ruled out this possibility.

Q4: Who is Karen Spragg?

A4: Karen Spragg, 61, from Cardiff, is Wandelt’s co-defendant in the case. She is accused of assisting Wandelt in her alleged stalking activities and also denies the charges.

Q5: What kind of messages and letters did Wandelt send?

A5: Wandelt sent hundreds of messages via WhatsApp and posted letters claiming she was Madeleine. Some letters included emotional pleas and were signed “Madeleine x,” adding distress to the McCann family.

Q6: When did Wandelt first contact the McCann family?

A6: Wandelt allegedly first contacted the McCanns in January 2024, beginning with Madeleine’s sister, Amelie, and later reaching out to Kate McCann directly in April 2024.

Q7: Has Julia Wandelt been arrested?

A7: Yes. Wandelt and Spragg were arrested at Bristol Airport on 19 February 2025 after Wandelt attempted a follow-up visit to the UK.

Q8: What is the current status of the trial?

A8: The trial is ongoing at Leicester Crown Court. Both defendants deny the stalking charges, and the proceedings focus on the emotional impact of their alleged actions on the McCann family.

Q9: Did Wandelt claim to remember being abducted?

A9: Yes. Wandelt told authorities she remembered being abducted from Praia da Luz in Portugal in 2007, describing alleged abuse and being injected with a substance that paralyzed her.

Q10: Why is this case attracting global attention?

A10: The case involves the highly publicized disappearance of Madeleine McCann in 2007, one of the world’s most famous missing child cases. Wandelt’s claims to be Madeleine have reignited international media coverage and public interest.