Kate McCann testified in a stalking trial that she felt anxious and stressed due to the persistent claims made by Julia Wandelt, who alleged to be her missing daughter Madeleine. The trial, held at Leicester Crown Court, heard that Wandelt from Lubin, Poland, had been sending emails, making phone calls, and showing up at the McCanns’ residence, asserting her false identity as Madeleine.
Both Kate and Gerry McCann provided evidence about the distress caused by Wandelt’s claims. Kate mentioned that the stress and anxiety levels had intensified over the past two and a half years. She expressed a sense of relief only after the arrests of Wandelt and another individual in February of this year.
During questioning, Kate shared her internal conflict upon seeing a photo of Wandelt, who is Polish, wondering briefly about the possibility before rationalizing that none of it made sense. Despite a fleeting doubt, Kate emphasized that the persistent nature of Wandelt’s behavior was the reason behind her minor hesitation.
Kate recounted an incident where Wandelt appeared at her home, pleading and inquiring about DNA tests. She stated that she had been made aware of Wandelt’s communications as early as June 2022. Kate described the encounter as unsettling, with Wandelt persistently asking for a DNA test and referring to her as “mum.”
Regarding Karen Spragg, who accompanied Wandelt to their home, Kate noted a more aggressive demeanor, with Spragg pressing about finding their daughter. Despite Kate’s clear discomfort and distress, both women denied the charge of stalking causing serious alarm and distress to the McCanns between June 2022 and February of the following year.
The trial is ongoing.