A court case revealed that a Polish woman wrote a distressing letter to Kate McCann, falsely claiming to be Madeleine and adding a “cruel signature.” Julia Wandelt, 24, from Lubin in south-west Poland, and Karen Spragg, 61, from Cardiff, are accused of stalking Kate and Gerry McCann between June 2022 and February this year. Leicester Crown Court jurors were informed that scientific evidence conclusively disproved Wandelt’s claim of being related to the McCanns. Despite this, she sent a letter to the McCanns’ residence asserting her false identity as Madeleine and suggesting that Kate recognized her as her daughter in her heart.
The letter expressed remorse for causing distress, a desire for truth, and a plea for a DNA test. The prosecutor described the letter’s signature as “final” and “cruel.” The letter was sent after Wandelt and Spragg visited the McCanns’ home in December, where they waited outside like private investigators. Their actions were deemed inappropriate and distressing to the family, leading to the court case. Kate McCann was confronted by the women upon her return home, and Gerry McCann also faced their demands and aggressive behavior.
The prosecutor highlighted the invasion of privacy and distress caused by the defendants’ actions. The trial commenced with the prosecution presenting evidence of Wandelt’s persistent claims of being Madeleine since June 2022. The prosecutor emphasized the McCanns’ enduring public scrutiny and the lack of compassion shown by some individuals, including the defendants. The court was reminded of the worldwide attention surrounding Madeleine’s disappearance in 2007 and the ongoing conspiracy theories that the defendants perpetuated despite scientific evidence proving no familial connection to the McCanns.
The trial is ongoing.