A 24-year-old Polish woman facing charges of stalking Madeleine McCann’s parents while claiming to be their missing daughter expressed concerns for her safety in court. Julia Wandelt, the accused, raised alarm over an incident in prison where she believed someone spiked her drink before her trial. She emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into her case, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding her identity even if she is cleared of the charges.
During the proceedings at Leicester Crown Court, Wandelt disclosed details of her past struggles, including battles with depression, experiences of sexual violence, and being deceived by an individual named Fia Johansson. She mentioned seeking assistance from a friend linked to the Post Office scandal for a DNA test to address what she described as a “miscarriage of justice” affecting her.
Wandelt recounted a troubling encounter in which she claimed an unknown substance was put in her drink shortly before her trial, expressing distress over the lack of support from prison officers. Despite her emotional testimony, Wandelt denied any intention of causing harm or distress to the McCann family. She defended her actions, stating that her interactions with Mrs. McCann were driven by a belief that she could be the missing daughter and that Mrs. McCann’s tears were due to emotional reactions.
The prosecution alleges that Wandelt, hailing from Lubin, Poland, propagated false claims of being Madeleine McCann while harassing the parents through various means. She detailed an offer from a friend to fund a DNA test in Cardiff, emphasizing the need for legal recourse in her situation. Wandelt also criticized the handling of her case by authorities, questioning the allocation of resources and urging for a DNA test to verify her identity.
Wandelt’s co-defendant, Karen Spragg, was described as supportive of Wandelt’s efforts to unravel the mystery surrounding her claimed identity. The trial, where both Wandelt and Spragg deny the charge of stalking between June 2022 and February this year, is ongoing.
