Two women facing accusations of stalking Madeleine McCann’s family were revealed to have left unsettling voicemails for Kate McCann, the missing child’s mother. The Leicester Crown Court session highlighted the distress caused by Julia Wandelt and Karen Spragg’s alleged actions on the McCann family.
Wandelt reportedly reached out to the family claiming she believed she was Madeleine and even visited their home, while Spragg left a voicemail insinuating a potential cover-up and urging Kate to conduct a DNA test. Detective Chief Inspector Cranwell informed Wandelt of the DNA test results, confirming she was not Madeleine.
Operation Grange, headed by DCI Cranwell, operates part-time with limited staff, including himself and a deputy working one day a week and another detective two days a week. The decision to obtain Wandelt’s DNA sample was made due to escalating harassment towards the McCanns.
The court heard how Wandelt persistently believed she was Madeleine despite evidence proving otherwise. Numerous voicemails and messages to the McCann family showcased her unwavering conviction. Despite reassurances from authorities, Wandelt’s delusions persisted, leading to her trial for stalking.
The trial proceedings included testimonies from various individuals subjected to Wandelt and Spragg’s alleged stalking. The court emphasized the emotional toll inflicted on the McCann family by the defendants’ relentless actions. The case will resume with further evidence and testimonies to be presented.