Overview
- A Leicester Crown Court jury found Julia Wandelt, 24, guilty of harassing Kate and Gerry McCann and cleared her of stalking after a five-week trial.
- Judge Johanna (Mrs Justice) Cutts imposed a six-month sentence, which Wandelt has already served on remand, and an indefinite restraining order barring any contact and entry to Leicestershire.
- The court was told a deportation order has been made against Wandelt, while co-defendant Karen Spragg was acquitted of all charges but received a five-year restraining order.
- Prosecutors presented forensic evidence showing Wandelt’s DNA does not match Madeleine’s, as the jury heard about repeated emails, calls, doorstep confrontations and a letter addressed “Dear Mum (Kate)”.
- In a statement, the McCanns said they take no pleasure in the result, urged anyone with new evidence about Madeleine’s disappearance to contact police, and described the distress caused by the contacts.