Two women accused of harassing Madeleine McCann’s family, including leaving a voicemail for Kate McCann, have been at the center of a court case at Leicester Crown Court. The accused, Julia Wandelt and Karen Spragg, allegedly caused distress to the McCann family with their actions.
Wandelt purportedly claimed to be Madeleine and contacted the family. The court also heard that both defendants visited the family’s residence. Detective Chief Inspector Cranwell informed Wandelt during a prison visit that DNA testing confirmed she was not Madeleine.
Operation Grange, the team dedicated to finding Madeleine, now operates part-time with limited staff. The decision to obtain Wandelt’s DNA sample was made due to concerns about her escalating harassment towards the McCanns.
Multiple individuals have falsely claimed to be Madeleine, with all claims being disproven through comparisons of photographs and other details. Wandelt and Spragg face charges of stalking the McCann family, with the offenses alleged to have occurred over a span of several years.
The court proceedings have showcased recorded voicemails left by the defendants, emphasizing their belief of being related to the McCanns. The case has been adjourned for further evidence presentation, highlighting the complexities and emotional toll of the situation on all involved parties.
