A woman facing accusations of stalking the family of Madeleine McCann chose not to respond to numerous questions posed by law enforcement officers.
During the trial at Leicester Crown Court, Julia Wandelt’s assertions were presented through a recording of her police interrogation. The 24-year-old Polish defendant is on trial for asserting to be the missing girl, Madeleine, and for allegedly stalking the parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, along with their children, Sean and Amelie.
Today, the court heard transcripts of Wandelt’s police interviews where she declined to answer queries concerning her initial contact with the McCann family, the evidence supporting her claim to be Madeleine, and whether she had visited the McCann residence. She broke her silence only once, responding to a question from Pc Tom Szyszlak, stating, “I’m only asking for a fricking DNA test.” Expressing frustration, she added, “They have never properly examined my evidence, which doesn’t seem fair.”
Additionally, Wandelt responded to a statement from Kate McCann, stating, “I never intended to cause them distress or seek attention.” She expressed sadness upon hearing Mrs. McCann’s statement and questioned why a DNA test had not been conducted despite the evidence she possessed.
Wandelt also mentioned that her father first raised concerns about her potentially being the missing Madeleine, recounting his remarks about not having drowned their first child and buying her from the McCanns.
Prosecutors allege that Wandelt perpetuated the falsehood of being Madeleine while harassing Kate and Gerry McCann through emails, phone calls, and uninvited visits to their residence between June 2022 and February of this year.
The court heard evidence of Wandelt’s extensive communication with Kate McCann, including multiple messages and voicemails discussing her alleged memories of Madeleine’s abduction. Forensic analysis confirmed that Wandelt’s DNA did not match that of Madeleine McCann or her parents, Kate and Gerry.
Wandelt faces charges of stalking the McCann family, sending various forms of communication to them, and sending messages to their children, Amelie and Sean. The trial, which also involves co-accused Spragg facing a stalking charge, is ongoing.