The trial of two women accused of harassing the family of missing Madeleine McCann is set to begin its third day of proceedings, following emotional testimonies from both Kate and Gerry.
Yesterday, both parents became emotional while recounting encounters with Julia Wandelt, who claims to be their daughter who vanished at the age of three during a family vacation in Praia da Luz, Portugal in 2007.
Julia Wandelt, a Polish national, is charged with sending various forms of communication, including letters, calls, voicemails, and WhatsApp messages to Kate and Gerry McCann, as well as sending Instagram messages to Maddie’s younger siblings, twins Amelie and Sean McCann, asserting to be the missing girl. She is on trial alongside co-accused Karen Spragg, who faces a charge of stalking causing serious alarm or distress by making calls, sending letters, and visiting the McCanns’ residence.
Day three of the trial of Julia Wandelt and Karen Spragg is scheduled to proceed today in court two at Leicester Crown Court, presided over by Mrs. Justice Cutts.
During yesterday’s proceedings, the jury heard from both of Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry, who detailed their interactions with the two defendants. They both expressed certainty that Wandelt was not their missing daughter after examining photos of her.
Kate described feeling distressed when the defendants reportedly approached her at the family home’s front door, while Gerry expressed emotional turmoil upon learning that his youngest daughter, Amelie, had been contacted via social media.
As Kate concluded her initial testimony before facing cross-examination from defense counsel, Wandelt began crying uncontrollably. She was heard screaming as she was escorted out of the dock, questioning, “Why are you doing this to me?”
The trial is expected to resume tomorrow morning.
Gerry McCann informed the jury today that he was “very confident” Julia Wandelt was not Madeleine after being shown a photograph of her.
He mentioned that an officer from Operation Grange had indicated they were confident Wandelt was not the missing girl but still requested the McCanns to review the photo.
Gerry stated, “I was very confident looking at the picture, it was not Madeleine.”
Earlier in today’s session, Kate McCann revealed that through officers involved in Operation Grange, the Met Police investigation into her daughter’s disappearance, she learned of Wandelt’s belief that she was Madeleine.
Prosecutor Michael Duck KC read excerpts of messages sent by Wandelt to Mrs. McCann, where the defendant pleaded, “let me prove I am not a liar” and “give me a chance, I don’t want money.”
When asked if she responded to the messages, Mrs. McCann confirmed, “No. I did not want to engage.”
Gerry McCann shared his frustration and anger over unwanted calls during his testimony.
Recounting an incident where he answered a call and swiftly ended it, Gerry expressed, “I made it very clear these were unwanted calls. To be honest, it was a bit of a blur.”
Gerry emphasized the need to shield his children from the negative attention surrounding their family since Madeleine’s disappearance.
He remarked, “As a parent, you try to protect your children, and we know social media can be really damaging. All the horrible things that have been written about us.”
He also highlighted the impact of Wandelt’s claims on their ongoing search for Madeleine.
Gerry described the alleged stalking’s effect on their daily lives, leading to the installation of CCTV outside their home due to persistent concerns.
He expressed, “It impacted us virtually every day. You are driving in and you are worried. Every time you drive home you wonder if someone is going to be there. You are nervous for the ten seconds.”
As the trial continues, the McCanns remain steadfast in their assertion that Julia Wandelt is not their missing daughter, Madeleine.
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