Woman who claimed to be Madeleine McCann pleads not guilty to stalking missing girl's family

Julia Wandelt, a Polish woman who has claimed to be missing toddler Madeleine McCann, has pleaded not guilty to charges of stalking the missing girl’s parents and siblings.

Wandel was arrested back in February alongside a friend after she landed at Bristol airport. She was later charged with a series of stalking offences.

The 23-year-old, from Lubin in south-west Poland, gained notoriety online after claiming to be missing Madeleine on Instagram. She has maintained this claim over the years, despite a a DNA test saying she was Polish.

She appeared at Leicester Crown Court today (22 April) accused of causing serious alarm or distress to the family between June 2022 and February 2025.

Wandelt had addressed her claims on Dr Phil (CBS)

It's alleged that Wandel had been making calls, leaving voicemails, and sending a letter and WhatsApp messages to parents Kate and Gerry McCann, as well as sending Madeleine's younger siblings Sean and Amelie McCann Instagram messages.

She spoke to confirm her name was Julia Wandelt 'according to documents' and to enter her plea during the hearing.

Wandelt is alleged to have attended the family home in Leicestershire on 2 May and 7 December last year, according to a previous court appearance, prior to her arrest at Bristol Airport.

She was remanded back into custody by Judge Timothy Spencer KC to appear in court in August to decide if she will be granted bail.

Karen Spragg, of Caerau in Cardiff, is also alleged to have made calls, sent letters and attended the home address of Mr and Mrs McCann, but also denied the charge of stalking.

She claims to be missing Madeleine McCann, who vanished in Portugal back in 2007 (PA)

Spragg, 60, who stood in the dock beside Wandel, is charged with one count of stalking causing serious alarm or distress.

She was granted bail with conditions not to contact Mr and Mrs McCann, their children and two family friends, not to enter Leicestershire unless attending court and to live and sleep at her home address.

Both women will appear at the same court for trial on 2 October.