A woman who gained notoriety by falsely claiming to be Madeleine McCann engaged in a systematic campaign of stalking against the missing girl's parents, a court has heard.
Julia Wendell, 23, is accused of sending threatening messages and making unwanted visits to the home of Kate and Gerry McCann, subjecting them to what prosecutors described as "persistent and distressing" harassment.
The Stalking Campaign
Westminster Magistrates' Court was told that Wendell's behaviour escalated dramatically after she first came to public attention in 2023 with her unfounded claims about being the missing child. The Polish national allegedly bombarded the McCanns with communications that became increasingly menacing in tone.
Prosecutor Sarah Hodge stated: "The defendant engaged in a course of conduct that amounted to stalking. This included sending numerous messages and attending locations known to be frequented by the complainants."
From False Claims to Criminal Harassment
Wendell first captured media attention when she publicly identified herself as Madeleine McCann, who disappeared from a holiday apartment in Portugal's Praia da Luz in 2007. Despite DNA tests conclusively proving she was not the missing British child, Wendell continued to maintain her false identity online.
The court heard how her fixation with the case transformed into criminal behaviour directed at Madeleine's parents. The harassment allegedly included:
- Multiple threatening messages sent to the McCanns
- Unwanted appearances at their family home
- Attempts to confront them in public places
- Persistent online activity related to her false claims
Impact on the McCann Family
The stalking campaign has caused significant distress to Kate and Gerry McCann, who have spent nearly two decades searching for their daughter. The court heard that Wendell's actions compounded the trauma they have endured since Madeleine's disappearance.
District Judge John Zani, presiding over the case, heard detailed evidence about the pattern of harassment that unfolded over several months. The prosecution emphasised the vulnerable position of the victims, given their high-profile status and the ongoing nature of their daughter's case.
Wendell, who appeared in court via video link, spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth during the hearing. The case has been adjourned for further proceedings, with the defendant remanded in custody pending the next court appearance.
