Suspected Harasser Inquired: 'But What If I Am Madeleine?'

Courtroom sketch
Julia Wandelt - according to court testimony believes she is disappeared Madeleine McCann - contest the allegations

A woman charged with stalking Kate McCann apparently deposited her a voicemail message which asked: "suppose I am Madeleine?"

The defendant, 24, who witnesses stated has persistently declared she was the disappeared Madeleine McCann, and her co-defendant are facing charges accused with harassing Kate and Gerry McCann from June 2022 and February this year.

Madeleine McCann photo
Madeleine McCann's case has not yet been concluded

On Monday, the tribunal was told communication data and data recovered from phones recorded Ms Wandelt repeatedly demanding Madeleine's mother for a genetic test over that period.

Madeleine's disappearance in 2007 - as a three-year-old during a family holiday in Portugal - is one of the most covered missing child cases and is still unsolved.

'I Don't Want Money'

A separate voicemail, shared in court, documented Ms Wandelt declaring: "I realize I'm heavy and unattractive like Madeleine was, but I feel what I know."

While another instance of Ms Wandelt's monologues with Mrs McCann's recording stated: "What if there is a tiny probability that I'm her? Then what? Wouldn't that be important for you?"

"I don't want money, I possess a existence here in Poland, I simply desire to know," the recording stated.

The panel was advised that by means of emails, mobile messages and calls, Ms Wandelt asked for a genetic test, sent childhood photos to her phone in a bid to demonstrate a resemblance to Mrs McCann's disappeared daughter, and stated to have "flashbacks" from a childhood with the McCanns.

An intelligence analyst, an investigator with the police force who compiled the information, informed the court there "didn't appear to be any replies" from Mrs McCann.

Ms Wandelt also contacted family friends of the McCanns, based on the call data.

On that date, Gerry McCann picked up a communication from Ms Wandelt to his wife's phone, saying she had "incorrect contact information."

On that occasion Ms Wandelt left a message on Mrs McCann's answerphone declaring "I will persist and I intend to demonstrate my point."

Court proceedings
Kate and Gerry McCann gave evidence to the court from protected by a privacy screen on Wednesday

The court was informed Mrs Spragg developed a connection online with Ms Wandelt before joining her on a trip to the McCanns' home in the county in December 2024.

Phone records demonstrated Mrs Spragg had communicated through communication app to Mrs McCann to express the press had characterized Ms Wandelt as "mentally unstable" but that she deserved to be taken seriously in the period preceding the visit to that location, Leicestershire, in last December.

The court was told communications between the two accused, in November 2024, considering trying to acquire Mrs McCann's DNA samples from her garbage or from cutlery at a eating establishment.

"We must take action," Mrs Spragg told Ms Wandelt.

On the occasion of the appearance to their house, the defendant dispatched a communication which said: "We find ourselves sat near the McCanns' house with our vehicle dark like detectives. I had hoped to achieve this with someone else I hadn't anticipated I would be doing that with the McCanns."

The trial continues.

Evan Burton
Evan Burton

Elara is a passionate storyteller and writing coach, sharing her experiences to inspire others in their creative pursuits.