Fake Madeleine Twin Faces Stalking Charges
A Polish woman who shocked the world by pretending to be missing Madeleine McCann has pleaded not guilty to stalking the famous family.
Julia Wandel, 23, from Lubin in south-west Poland, appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Monday. She faces charges over persistent harassment of Kate and Gerry McCann and their children, Sean and Amelie.
Relentless Harassment Claims
- Wandel allegedly bombarded the McCanns with WhatsApp and Instagram messages.
- She left voicemails and showed up uninvited at their home twice.
- In 2023, she stunned the internet by claiming to be Madeleine herself—DNA tests proved otherwise.
She also reportedly travelled to Rothley, Leicestershire in 2024 to attend a vigil marking Madeleine’s disappearance anniversary, despite the McCanns not attending that event. Prosecutors say she delivered a letter to their home on that trip.
“Her contact has been persistent since 2022, growing more frequent and alarming,” said prosecutor Ravinder Daroch. “Wandel tried to convince the McCanns she was their missing daughter, causing them serious alarm and distress.”
Another McCann Stalker in Court
In a related case, Karen Spragg, 60, from Cardiff, denied stalking charges after allegedly making calls, sending letters, and appearing at the McCanns’ home. She was granted bail pending trial.
Trials Date Set for October
Both Wandel and Spragg will stand trial on October 2 at Leicester Crown Court.
Wandel faces four stalking charges linked to conduct from May 2, 2024, to February 15, 2025. Each charge carries up to 12 months in prison or an unlimited fine. The accusations include targeting Madeleine’s younger siblings.
The McCanns have stayed silent on the court proceedings.
Still Searching for Madeleine
Madeleine McCann vanished aged three during a family holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007. Despite global media attention and ongoing investigations, her disappearance remains one of the world’s most notorious unsolved cases.
