A grandmother, Karen Spragg, is currently on trial alongside Julia Wandelt, a young woman who believes she is Madeleine McCann. During a police interview, Spragg expressed her desire for Kate to give Wandelt a chance. The two are facing accusations of stalking, with allegations that they met online and embarked on a mission related to Wandelt’s belief that she is the missing girl who disappeared in Portugal in 2007 at the age of three.
Details presented at Leicester Crown Court revealed that Spragg admitted to driving Wandelt to the McCann family home after picking her up from the airport. They spent time in Cardiff before staying at a nearby hotel to the McCann residence. Subsequently, they visited the McCanns’ address and waited outside. Spragg confessed to confronting Kate and Gerry McCann on two occasions, initially to deliver a letter from Wandelt and later to discuss their beliefs.
Regarding their encounter with the McCanns, Spragg acknowledged Kate’s distress and mentioned Gerry’s negative response, stating he denied any relation to Wandelt. She defended Wandelt’s claims, emphasizing her belief in the truthfulness of Wandelt’s statements. Spragg expressed disappointment in the McCanns’ rejection of Wandelt and suggested a simple DNA test could resolve the situation.
Spragg further questioned the McCanns’ actions, criticizing their response to Wandelt’s assertions and highlighting the potential consequences of a DNA test. Wandelt, separately accused of stalking the McCann family and sending various forms of communication, faces legal implications alongside Spragg. The alleged incidents occurred between June 2022 and February 2025, with the trial ongoing.