Woman Who Claimed to Be Madeleine Mccann Sent Message to Kate Mccann About ‘abduction Memory’

Key Highlights

  • Julia Wandelt and Karen Spragg stand accused of stalking the parents of Madeleine McCann.
  • Wandelt claims to have memories of being abducted in Portugal, seeking a DNA test with the McCanns.
  • The case involves numerous contacts and messages sent to the McCann family over two years.
  • Wandelt faced questioning about her interactions with various individuals and organizations.

Stalking Case: Julia Wandelt’s Allegations and Court Testimony

In a highly charged court session at Leicester Crown Court, 24-year-old Julia Wandelt is giving evidence in a case that centers around her claims of being Madeleine McCann. The trial, which began in June 2022, involves both Wandelt and co-defendant Karen Spragg, who deny stalking the parents of the missing British child.

Wandelt has repeatedly stated that she believes herself to be Madeleine, citing memories of an abduction incident in Portugal. She claims to have sought a DNA test with the McCanns to establish her identity but was rebuffed by them. According to Wandelt, she felt that the police did not pass on crucial information or circumstantial evidence related to her case.

Contacts and Interactions

The court heard details of Wandelt’s interactions with various individuals, including journalist Surjit Singh, who allegedly offered to help arrange a DNA test. Wandelt described these contacts as initially friendly but growing more frequent over time. She admitted to being contacted by Fia Johansson, an American woman, and traveling to the United States for meetings.

Wandelt also discussed her relationship with Karen Spragg, 61, from Cardiff.

The pair reportedly became close friends through social media interactions before meeting in person. Wandelt claimed that she was not a “liar or attention seeker,” despite the nature of their case against the McCanns.

Media and Public Attention

The case has garnered significant public attention, with Wandelt appearing on Dr Phil in March 2023 as part of her efforts to gain support. The trial also involved discussions about her interactions with David Payne and his wife Fiona, who had been friends with the McCanns for decades.

Financial and Support Issues

During the proceedings, Wandelt revealed that she received a small sum from a fundraiser but felt ashamed of relying on others. She stated that any money she did receive was used to cover legal fees in Poland. The court heard about her attempts to contact Amelie McCann, Madeleine’s sister, as part of her broader efforts.

Amelie McCann testified via video link, expressing disappointment with Wandelt’s claims and stating that she felt “played” by the defendant. This interaction highlighted the emotional complexity of the case and the divisions within the McCann family regarding the missing child.

Conclusion

The trial at Leicester Crown Court continues to unfold, with detailed testimonies from key figures such as Julia Wandelt and Amelie McCann. The allegations against Wandelt and Spragg raise significant questions about identity, memory, and the impact of persistent claims in high-profile cases like that of Madeleine McCann.