An alleged stalker sent disturbing messages to close friends of the McCann family who were with them in Portugal when Madeleine disappeared, a trial has heard. Julia Wandelt, 24, from Lubin in Poland, contacted David and Fiona Payne and their daughter, who has been "adversely impacted" by Madeleine's disappearance.
The Paynes, who have been close friends with Kate and Gerry McCann for around 25 years, gave evidence at Leicester Crown Court on Wednesday. Fiona Payne told the court she felt "angry" that Wandelt had contacted their daughter through friend requests and messages.
Payne said: "It's really difficult actually. I think she's a vulnerable young adult who has been adversely affected by Madeleine's disappearance. She has the good sense to ignore these messages. I feel angry actually that she (Wandelt) sought to manipulate her in that way."
Disturbing contact attempts
In one message, Wandelt suggested that if she did a DNA test with the McCanns, members of the "tapas group" could "clear your names". Prosecutors allege Wandelt claimed to be Madeleine McCann whilst stalking the family between June 2022 and February this year through emails, phone calls and visits to their address.
Court recordings revealed two phone calls between Wandelt and David Payne in October last year. In the first call, Wandelt said: "Please connect me with Kate and Gerry. Operation Grange threatened me and I never lied."
The following day, she told Payne: "I'm Julia Wandelt. I'm trying everywhere. All doors are closed. I truly believe I might be Madeleine." Payne described receiving such calls as "quite upsetting" and said he felt there was nothing he could provide during the conversation.
Persistent messaging campaign
After the phone calls, Wandelt sent a series of messages including: "I could hear the sadness in your voice David. You are literally the only person connected to Kate and Gerry McCann who answered my call and spoke with me a little bit. You are my only hope David, help me please."
She also wrote: "This could end your years of trauma and criticism too. As a member of the tapas group you could clear your names. I can send all my evidence for review if you can find the strength to help me."
In another message, Wandelt claimed: "I was given so many medications as a child… some can cause memory loss. I was given big doses of those medications. Can you look at my medical records and give your opinion? I believe it's possible it was attempted murder because I was given huge doses of medication."
Private photographs concern
Payne expressed surprise that Wandelt possessed private photographs of both the McCann and Payne families that had never been made public. In a message about the photos, Wandelt wrote: "I'm not going to publish them because I respect the privacy of you, your daughters and the McCann family. These were never published by Kate and Gerry. Someone close to them believes me."
On Christmas Eve, Wandelt sent Payne a message stating: "Merry Christmas David. The truth will set you all free" with a snowflake emoji. Fiona Payne told the court that such contact was particularly disturbing, noting they had received various approaches over the years but "never been contacted by anyone who thinks they could be Madeleine".
Both Wandelt and her co-defendant Karen Spragg, 61, from Cardiff, deny one count of stalking. The trial continues at Leicester Crown Court.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
