Julia Wandel, who previously claimed to be Madeleine McCann, has been charged with stalking the McCann family. Following her arrest at Bristol Airport, she faces accusations of causing alarm and distress through messages and two visits to the family's home.
Woman Charged with Stalking McCann Family After Claiming to be Madeleine
Woman Charged with Stalking McCann Family After Claiming to be Madeleine
Julia Wandel, arrested at Bristol Airport, faces multiple stalking charges linked to the McCann family.
Article text: A woman who alleged to be Madeleine McCann has recently faced court proceedings on multiple stalking charges against the McCann family. Julia Wandel, also recognized as Julia Wandelt, was apprehended at Bristol Airport on Wednesday under suspicions of stalking that resulted in significant alarm and distress.
The 23-year-old, originally from Poland, was remanded into custody following her appearance at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday. She is set to enter a plea at the city's crown court on April 7. According to court documents, Wandel allegedly sent various messages, left voicemails, and personally appeared at the McCann family residence between January 3, 2024, and February 15, 2025.
Reportedly, she visited the McCanns' home on two occasions–specifically on May 2 and December 7. In addition to these visits, she sent WhatsApp and Instagram messages directed at Kate and Gerry McCann, and their other children. The documents indicate that her actions “had a substantial adverse effect” on the family’s daily life, suggesting she was aware her behavior would cause them alarm or distress.
The case of Madeleine McCann is notable for its international attention since the child went missing in Portugal in 2007. Following her disappearance, which occurred when she was just three years old, an extensive search was initiated, and the case has remained unsolved.
In 2023, Ms. Wandel claimed in an Instagram post that she could be Madeleine McCann, citing memory gaps from her childhood due to abuse. However, a DNA test conducted later disproved her claim, proving her Polish origin along with some Lithuanian and Romanian ancestry.
Also arrested in connection with the case was a 60-year-old woman from Wales, who has since been released on bail by the Leicestershire Police.
For more updates, follow BBC Leicester on social media or send your story ideas through email or WhatsApp.
The 23-year-old, originally from Poland, was remanded into custody following her appearance at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday. She is set to enter a plea at the city's crown court on April 7. According to court documents, Wandel allegedly sent various messages, left voicemails, and personally appeared at the McCann family residence between January 3, 2024, and February 15, 2025.
Reportedly, she visited the McCanns' home on two occasions–specifically on May 2 and December 7. In addition to these visits, she sent WhatsApp and Instagram messages directed at Kate and Gerry McCann, and their other children. The documents indicate that her actions “had a substantial adverse effect” on the family’s daily life, suggesting she was aware her behavior would cause them alarm or distress.
The case of Madeleine McCann is notable for its international attention since the child went missing in Portugal in 2007. Following her disappearance, which occurred when she was just three years old, an extensive search was initiated, and the case has remained unsolved.
In 2023, Ms. Wandel claimed in an Instagram post that she could be Madeleine McCann, citing memory gaps from her childhood due to abuse. However, a DNA test conducted later disproved her claim, proving her Polish origin along with some Lithuanian and Romanian ancestry.
Also arrested in connection with the case was a 60-year-old woman from Wales, who has since been released on bail by the Leicestershire Police.
For more updates, follow BBC Leicester on social media or send your story ideas through email or WhatsApp.
