Suspected Stalker Questioned: 'But Imagine I Could Be Madeleine?'

Courtroom sketch
Karen Spragg - who a court has heard claims she is disappeared Madeleine McCann - deny the allegations

A woman charged with pursuing Kate McCann allegedly recorded her a phone message which asked: "suppose I am Madeleine?"

Julia Wandelt, 24, who court testimony revealed has repeatedly asserted she was the disappeared Madeleine McCann, and Karen Spragg are standing trial accused with pursuing Kate and Gerry McCann between June 2022 and February the current year.

Madeleine McCann photo
Madeleine McCann's disappearance has not yet been resolved

On Monday, Leicester Crown Court learned call records and evidence recovered from phones documented Ms Wandelt consistently demanding Madeleine's mother for a biological test over that period.

Madeleine's vanishing in 2007 - at the age of three during a trip in Portugal - is among the most widely reported missing child cases and is still open.

'I Do Not Need Money'

One recorded message, shared in court, captured Ms Wandelt saying: "I realize I'm fat and unattractive like Madeleine had been, but I know what I know."

While one recording of Ms Wandelt's monologues with Mrs McCann's recording expressed: "Imagine there is a small chance that I am she? What happens next? Wouldn't that be crucial for you?"

"I do not need money, I maintain a existence here in Poland, I simply desire to discover," the message continued.

The jury was advised that through emails, SMS messages and phone calls, Ms Wandelt demanded a DNA test, transmitted early photographs to her phone in a attempt to display a resemblance to Mrs McCann's disappeared daughter, and asserted to have "recollections" from a early life with the McCanns.

The investigator, a data specialist with law enforcement who compiled the information, told the court there "showed no any answers" from Mrs McCann.

Ms Wandelt furthermore communicated with acquaintances of the McCanns, according to the phone records.

On 9 October 2024, Gerry McCann responded to a phone call from Ms Wandelt to his wife's phone, saying she had "incorrect contact information."

On that occasion Ms Wandelt recorded a recording on Mrs McCann's answerphone saying "I will persist and I will prove my claim."

Court proceedings
Kate and Gerry McCann gave evidence to the court from behind a privacy screen on Wednesday

The court was informed the co-defendant struck up a association online with Ms Wandelt before joining her on a appearance to the McCanns' home in Leicestershire in that winter.

Phone records showed Mrs Spragg had communicated using messaging service to Mrs McCann to say the press had characterized Ms Wandelt as "a crazy person" but that she ought to be treated respectfully in the period before the appearance to that location, that area, in December 2024.

The court learned communications between the two accused, in last November, considering attempting to obtain Mrs McCann's genetic material from her trash or from utensils at a dining venue.

"We have to take action," the co-defendant advised Ms Wandelt.

On the occasion of the visit to their residence, the defendant transmitted a message which expressed: "We're currently sitting near the McCanns' home with our lights out resembling investigators. I wanted to achieve this with another person I hadn't anticipated I would be engaged in this with the McCanns."

The trial proceeds.

James Pruitt
James Pruitt

A passionate journalist and blogger with a focus on Central European affairs, dedicated to uncovering and sharing compelling narratives.