Two women have appeared in court charged with the alleged stalking of Madeleine McCann’s family, a case that has captured public attention due to the long-standing mystery surrounding the disappearance of the three-year-old girl in 2007.
Julia Wandel, a 23-year-old Polish national, was refused bail during a hearing at Leicester Crown Court on Friday, March 28, 2025. Judge Timothy Spencer KC ruled that no details from her bail application could be reported, pending a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for April 22.
Wandel, who is from Lubin in south-west Poland, did not attend the hearing in person but participated via video link from prison. She faces accusations of stalking Kate, Gerry, Sean, and Amelie McCann between January 3, 2024, and February 15, 2025. The charges include allegations that she attended the McCann family home in Leicestershire on May 2 and December 7, 2024, and sent numerous communications, including letters, voicemails, and WhatsApp messages to Kate and Gerry McCann, as well as Instagram messages to their children.
Meanwhile, 60-year-old Karen Spragg from Caerau, Cardiff, also appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Friday. She was charged with one count of stalking involving serious alarm or distress between May 3, 2024, and February 21, 2025. Spragg is alleged to have made calls, sent letters, and attended the McCann home, contributing to the distress experienced by the family.
During her brief court appearance, Spragg, dressed in a beige tracksuit and blue Crocs, confirmed her name and address but did not indicate a plea. She was granted conditional bail, which prohibits her from contacting the McCanns or entering Leicestershire except for legal matters. She is required to reside at her home address.
Chair of the bench Elizabeth Needham informed Spragg, "Your case is going to the crown court, and the date for that is April 22. You have heard the bail conditions; if you break any of those, you are likely to be arrested." Both women are set to appear together at the crown court next month.
The case has drawn significant media attention, not only because of the nature of the allegations but also due to the ongoing interest in the McCann family, whose daughter Madeleine disappeared during a family holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007. The case remains one of the most widely reported missing child cases in history.
Wandel is accused of persistent stalking behavior that allegedly began in 2022, escalating to alarming levels. Prosecutor Ravinder Daroch stated that Wandel attempted to convince the McCanns that she was their missing daughter. Court documents suggest that her conduct had a substantial adverse effect on the family's day-to-day activities, as she continued to reach out to them despite being warned by police to cease all contact.
Wandel's alleged actions included attending an annual vigil held in Rothley to commemorate the anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance, further intensifying the family's distress. The prosecutor described Wandel's behavior as persistent and alarming, indicating a troubling pattern of unwanted contact.
In a separate but related case, Spragg reportedly met Wandel online and arranged to collect her from Bristol Airport when she arrived in the UK. Their interactions included exchanging messages, which led to Spragg's alleged involvement in the stalking of the McCann family.
Spragg's charges specify that she caused serious alarm or distress to the McCann family, including making calls and sending letters to their home. The court has emphasized the importance of adhering to bail conditions, warning that any breach could result in arrest.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the McCann family continues to navigate the emotional turmoil stemming from both the ongoing mystery of their daughter's disappearance and the distress caused by the alleged stalking incidents. The case highlights the complexities surrounding public interest in high-profile missing persons cases and the impact such cases can have on the families involved.
Both Wandel and Spragg's cases will be closely monitored as they return to court in April, where the legal system will determine the appropriate course of action in light of the serious allegations against them. The McCann family has not been present in court during these proceedings, reflecting their ongoing struggle with the public and media scrutiny that has accompanied their daughter's disappearance for nearly two decades.
As this case develops, it serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of unresolved trauma and the challenges faced by families in the public eye. The upcoming court dates will be crucial in addressing the allegations against Wandel and Spragg and determining the next steps in this troubling saga.
