Kate McCann shared in court the incident that prompted her to contact the police regarding the alleged stalking of her family by two women in connection with her missing daughter, Madeleine. Shielded from view, Kate detailed how Julia Wandelt, 24, and Karen Spragg, 61, confronted her at home and sent various forms of communication. Kate mentioned that the tipping point for her was when Wandelt supposedly reached out to her daughter.
The court learned that Kate first encountered Wandelt about three years ago when she contacted the hospital where Kate and her husband work. Accusing Wandelt of sending letters, calls, voicemails, and messages via WhatsApp, Kate emphasized that discovering Wandelt’s attempt to contact her daughter was particularly distressing.
Kate explained that the situation became unbearable when her daughter, Amelie, reported Wandelt’s attempts to contact her. This prompted Kate to involve the authorities, stating, “That was a final straw for me. Amelie and Sean, I don’t want them involved, so I discussed it with the police.”
During the trial, Gerry emotionally described the impact of the alleged stalking on their family, expressing dismay at the messages sent to Amelie. He highlighted their efforts to shield their children from media attention and online negativity, emphasizing the importance of protecting them.
Kate clarified that she chose not to engage with Wandelt’s messages and calls. The court was informed that Wandelt repeatedly contacted Kate, even leaving a voicemail claiming to be Madeleine. The prosecutor revealed that on one day in April last year, Wandelt called and messaged Kate over 60 times.
Wandelt, along with co-accused Karen Spragg, faces charges related to stalking the McCann family. The trial, ongoing at Leicester Crown Court, continues to unfold.