The trial involving two women accused of harassing Madeleine McCann’s family has resumed, focusing on the collection of DNA samples in the search for the missing three-year-old girl.
Leicester Crown Court has heard testimonies from Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry, as well as her younger siblings, family friends, the local vicar, and detectives leading the missing person investigation. The court has learned about the distress caused by the alleged actions of Julia Wandelt and Karen Spragg on the family.
Julia Wandelt, a 24-year-old Polish national from Lubin, is accused of reaching out to the family claiming to be Madeleine and, along with Karen Spragg, 61, from Cardiff, showing up at their residence. The trial is ongoing.
According to witness Stacy Gorman, an American aiding the Find Madeleine campaign, Wandelt persistently contacted the campaign’s website, asserting her identity as Madeleine. Despite requests for a DNA test, Kate and Gerry McCann remained patient and understanding.
Stacy Gorman, based in Washington DC, shared her concerns about the impact of Wandelt’s claims on the search for Madeleine, fearing that if people believed Wandelt was the missing girl, efforts to locate Madeleine would diminish. Forensic scientist Rosalyn Hammond confirmed in court that there is no DNA match between Wandelt and Madeleine.
The trial also revealed Wandelt’s repeated attempts to establish her identity, including an email to the McCanns claiming a familial connection. The court proceedings will continue, with forensic scientist Rosalind Hammond providing technical details on DNA results and comparisons between profiles.