A witness testified in court that she had received unsettling messages from a woman accused of stalking the family of missing Madeleine McCann. The witness, who was with Madeleine’s parents on the night of her disappearance, revealed details during the trial.
David and Fiona Payne, known as the McCanns’ friends from their holiday in Praia da Luz in 2007, provided testimony against Julia Wandelt and Karen Spragg. Fiona Payne confirmed that they had been in contact with various individuals over the years, but none claiming to be Madeleine.
During the trial, it was revealed that Fiona Payne had received messages from Wandelt via Facebook Messenger, which included requests to compare DNA samples with Madeleine’s parents. The witness described the messages as disturbing and manipulative.
Additionally, Mrs. Payne mentioned that her daughter had also been contacted by Wandelt, but had wisely ignored the messages due to their emotional nature. The witness expressed anger at the attempt to manipulate her daughter.
Furthermore, David Payne testified that Wandelt had made phone calls to him, claiming to be Madeleine and requesting contact with Kate and Gerry McCann. Wandelt faces charges of stalking the McCann family and sending them various forms of communication.
The trial involves allegations of stalking against Wandelt and Spragg, with the incidents reported to have occurred between June 2022 and February 2025. The legal proceedings are ongoing.
