Overview
- A Leicester Crown Court jury convicted Julia Wandelt of harassment and found her not guilty of stalking, while clearing Karen Spragg of all charges.
- Jurors heard Wandelt sent emails and voicemails, posted letters, and turned up at the McCanns’ home, including more than 60 calls and messages to Kate McCann in a single day.
- Prosecutors said the conduct caused very significant distress to the family as Wandelt pressed unfounded claims that she was their missing daughter.
- Court reporting noted a 2023 DNA test concluded Wandelt is 100% Polish, undermining her identity assertions.
- The judge said harassment carries a maximum six-month sentence and observed that Wandelt has been in custody since February, following a five-week trial marked by tense courtroom exchanges.