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Woman Who Claimed to Be Madeleine McCann Jailed for Harassing Her Parents

Jurors rejected a stalking charge as the court imposed a six‑month sentence, a restraining order and a deportation notice, and acquitted her co‑defendant.

Overview

  • Julia Wandelt, 24, was convicted of harassment but cleared of stalking after a five‑week trial at Leicester Crown Court.
  • Judge Mrs Justice Cutts sentenced her to six months in prison, issued a restraining order citing a significant future risk to the McCanns, and noted a deportation notice has been served.
  • The court heard forensic expert Rosalyn Hammond say Wandelt cannot be Madeleine McCann because their DNA profiles do not match.
  • Prosecutors detailed repeated unwanted contact, including emails, voicemails, letters, an uninvited visit to the McCanns’ home, and more than 60 calls or messages in a single day.
  • Co‑defendant Karen Spragg, 61, was found not guilty of stalking and harassment, as the broader context noted the 2007 disappearance of Madeleine remains unsolved.