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Polish Woman Who Claimed to Be Madeleine McCann Convicted of Harassing Her Parents

A Leicester jury rejected impersonation allegations, finding her conduct caused serious distress to the family.

Overview

  • Julia Wandelt was found guilty at Leicester Crown Court of continued harassment of Kate and Gerry McCann but acquitted of impersonation or fraud.
  • The judge imposed the maximum six‑month sentence, noting her pre‑trial custody since a February arrest at Bristol Airport already exceeds that term.
  • The court issued a restraining order after finding she poses a significant risk of future harassment to the family.
  • Co‑defendant Karen Spragg was convicted on related counts for letters and visits to the McCanns and was also made subject to a restraining order.
  • Prosecutors detailed a pattern of calls, messages, and doorstep visits from June 2022 to February 2025, including more than 60 contact attempts in a single day, following her high‑profile social media claim as '@IAmMadeleineMcCann'.