Two Women Denied Stalking Madeleine McCann Family in UK Court

Leicester Crown Court heard this week that two women have denied allegations of stalking the family of Madeleine McCann, who disappeared during a holiday in Portugal in 2007. Julia Wandel, aged 23 and residing in Lubin, South West Poland, and Karen Spragg, 60, from Caerau, Cardiff, entered not guilty pleas on Tuesday. They face serious charges related to persistent harassment of Kate, Gerry, Sean, and Amelie McCann, the missing girl’s parents and siblings.

Wandel is accused of a sustained campaign of contact starting January 3rd, 2024, and continuing until February 15th, 2024. This included sending letters and messages, making phone calls, leaving voicemails, and utilizing WhatsApp to communicate with the McCann family. Furthermore, she’s alleged to have visited their home in Rothley, Leicestershire on May 2nd and December 7th, 2024. She was remanded back into custody following the hearing.

Spragg is charged with stalking involving serious alarm or distress between May 3rd, 2024, and February 21st, 2024. Her alleged actions include making phone calls, sending letters, visiting the McCann’s residence in Rothley, and engaging in communication via Instagram directed towards Amelie and Sean McCann.

The case has garnered significant attention due to the ongoing and deeply emotional investigation into Madeleine McCann’s disappearance – one of the most widely reported missing child cases globally. Last week, the UK government pledged an additional £108,000 towards continued efforts to locate her. The trial is scheduled for October 2nd, 2024.

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