Is the Woman Who Claimed to Be Madeleine McCann Guilty of Harassment?

A Polish woman, Julia Wandelt, has been found guilty of harassing the parents of Madeleine McCann, while being acquitted of more severe stalking charges. Wandelt, who claimed to be the missing girl, was sentenced to six months in prison, which she had already served. The McCanns expressed no pleasure in the verdict and reiterated their hope that Wandelt receives the necessary care and support.

Last updated: 18 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The recent trial of Julia Wandelt has brought renewed attention to the ongoing mystery surrounding the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who went missing during a family holiday in Portugal in 2007. Wandelt, 24, was found guilty of harassment against Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, after a campaign that lasted more than two years. She has been sentenced to six months in prison, but has already served this time while in custody since February 2025.

In a statement following the verdict, the McCanns expressed their discontent with the court process, stating they did not wish to pursue the matter legally. However, the decision to prosecute was made by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) based on evidence collected by the police. They called for anyone with new information regarding Madeleine's disappearance to come forward.

Key takeaways

Julia Wandelt has been found guilty of harassing the McCann family.
She was sentenced to six months in prison, which she has already served.
The McCanns expressed no pleasure in the verdict and highlighted their ongoing search for answers.

Timeline: how we got here

Here's a brief timeline of events leading up to Wandelt's trial:

2007: Madeleine McCann goes missing during a family holiday in Portugal.
June 2022: Wandelt begins contacting the McCann family, claiming to be Madeleine.
February 2025: Wandelt is arrested, and DNA testing confirms she is not Madeleine McCann.
October 2025: Wandelt is found guilty of harassment and sentenced to six months in prison.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Following the trial, the judge confirmed that Wandelt's claims had no basis in reality, stating, “It has been confirmed in this case you are not Madeleine McCann.” Wandelt's actions, including contacting the McCann family and appearing on public platforms, have been described as distressing and damaging to the McCanns.

What was already established

The ongoing investigation into Madeleine McCann's disappearance remains active. The McCanns have consistently urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasising the emotional toll that false claims like Wandelt's can have on families of missing persons.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The case highlights the emotional distress faced by families of missing children. It underscores the importance of compassion and sensitivity in discussing such sensitive cases, especially as the McCanns continue their search for answers regarding their daughter.

Businesses and jobs

The media attention surrounding the trial and Wandelt's claims may lead to increased scrutiny of how missing persons cases are reported and handled. This could affect the practices of media organisations and those involved in public relations concerning such sensitive topics.

Policy and regulation

This case may prompt discussions around the legal framework surrounding harassment and its implications for the families of missing persons. There could be calls for stricter regulations regarding the treatment of such sensitive cases in the media and online.

Numbers that matter

60: The number of calls and messages bombarding Mrs McCann on one particular day.
2 years: The duration of Wandelt's harassment campaign against the McCann family.
6 months: The prison sentence handed down to Wandelt, which she has already served.

Definitions and jargon buster

Crown Prosecution Service (CPS): The principal public agency for conducting prosecution of criminal offences in England and Wales.
DNA test: A scientific test that can confirm identity through genetic information.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the McCanns may continue to seek support from the public and law enforcement in their search for new evidence related to Madeleine's case.

Medium term (1–6 months)

There may be further discussions regarding the legal implications of harassment in cases involving missing persons, as well as the potential for changes to how such cases are reported in the media.

Signals to watch

Any new leads or evidence in Madeleine’s disappearance.
Public response and media coverage surrounding the trial and its implications.

Practical guidance

Do

Be sensitive when discussing missing persons cases and the families involved.
Encourage anyone with information about missing persons to come forward to the authorities.

Don’t

Don't engage in speculation or spread unverified claims regarding missing individuals.
Don’t overlook the emotional impact that such cases can have on families.

Checklist

Stay informed about ongoing missing persons cases in your community.
Support organisations that work to aid families of missing persons.
Report any potential leads to law enforcement promptly.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Wandelt's claims have been dismissed, the ongoing mystery of Madeleine McCann's disappearance remains unresolved. The case demonstrates the potential for individuals to exploit the emotions surrounding such tragedies, which can hinder genuine efforts to seek the truth. It is essential to approach these situations with care and empathy, recognising the pain experienced by families in similar circumstances.

Bottom line

The verdict against Julia Wandelt serves as a reminder of the emotional toll that harassment can take on families of missing persons. The McCanns continue to advocate for support in their search for Madeleine, while Wandelt's case highlights the need for sensitivity and caution when discussing such sensitive matters.

FAQs

What was Julia Wandelt found guilty of?

Julia Wandelt was found guilty of harassment against the parents of Madeleine McCann but was acquitted of more serious stalking charges.

What sentence did Wandelt receive?

Wandelt was sentenced to six months in prison, which she has already served while in custody since February.

What did the McCanns say about the verdict?

The McCanns expressed that they took no pleasure in the verdict and hoped Wandelt would receive the appropriate care and support she needs.