Woman Who Claimed to Be Madeleine McCann Convicted of Harassment
A Polish woman who persistently claimed to be the missing British child Madeleine McCann has been found guilty of harassing the McCann family. Julia Wandelt, 24, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment at Leicester Crown Court after sending sinister letters and messages, and turning up at the family's home demanding a DNA test.
The Disturbing Claims and Family Pleas
The court heard that Wandelt's fixation began after she underwent hypnosis sessions, which she claimed unlocked memories of being abducted and living with the McCanns. She told anybody prepared to listen that she was Madeleine, alleging she had been kidnapped from Portugal and taken to Poland. Her own father, Jacek Wandelt, revealed the heartbreaking moment she rejected him, telling him just before Christmas: “Daddy, I love you, but you are not my dad, I am Madeleine McCann.” He described his daughter as sick and in need of help, not as a bad person.
Court Verdict and Deportation Order
Following a five-week trial, the jury found Wandelt guilty of harassment but not guilty of stalking. Due to time already served on remand, she was released from custody but now faces immediate deportation from the UK. The judge presiding over the case stated that Wandelt poses a significant risk of future harassment to Kate and Gerry McCann. In a statement, the McCanns said they take no pleasure in the result and only ever wanted the harassment to stop, adding that they hope Wandelt receives the care and support she needs.
