Kate McCann testified in court about the incidents that led her to contact the police regarding two women accused of stalking her family in connection with the disappearance of her daughter Madeleine.
Shielded from the defendants and the public by a curtain, Kate recounted how Julia Wandelt, 24, and Karen Spragg, 61, harassed her at home through letters, messages, and in-person encounters. Kate highlighted the tipping point that prompted her to involve the authorities.
During the trial, it was revealed that Kate first encountered Wandelt approximately three years ago when she contacted the hospital switchboard where Kate and her husband Gerry were employed.
Kate accused Wandelt of sending numerous forms of communication, including letters, calls, voicemails, and WhatsApp messages to both her and Gerry. However, Kate emphasized that the pivotal moment for her was learning that Wandelt had allegedly tried to contact her daughter.
Describing the incident as the “final straw,” Kate explained that her decision to involve the police was solidified when her daughter, Amelie, disclosed that Wandelt had attempted to reach out to her. Gerry, visibly emotional, shared with the court the impact the alleged stalking had on their family.
He expressed his concern for their children, Sean and Amelie, emphasizing their efforts to shield them from media attention and online negativity. Gerry stressed the importance of safeguarding them from potential harm on social media platforms.
When questioned about her response to Wandelt’s messages, Kate confirmed that she chose not to engage with them. The court also heard how Wandelt repeatedly contacted Kate, making numerous calls and sending messages in a short span of time.
Furthermore, a voicemail allegedly left by Wandelt on Kate’s mobile phone, where she claimed to be Madeleine, was played in court. Wandelt’s co-accused, Karen Spragg, faces charges of stalking for allegedly causing distress with calls, letters, and visits to the McCann family’s residence.
The trial is ongoing as investigations into the stalking allegations continue.