Conviction Handed Down in Leicester Crown Court
A Polish woman, Julia Wandelt (also known as Julia Faustyna and Julia Wendell), 24, was found guilty on Friday, November 7, 2025, of harassing Kate and Gerry McCann, the parents of missing British girl Madeleine McCann. The verdict was delivered at Leicester Crown Court in the United Kingdom, concluding a five-week trial. Wandelt was acquitted of the more serious charge of stalking.
The court heard how Wandelt engaged in a campaign of harassment against the McCann family between June 2022 and February 2025. Her actions included sending numerous emails, leaving voicemails, and making uninvited visits to the McCanns' home in Rothley, Leicestershire. She also sent 'disturbing messages' to the couple's friends and contacted Madeleine's siblings, Sean and Amelie McCann, via social media.
Details of the Harassment Campaign
Wandelt gained significant public attention in early 2023 after making viral claims on social media that she was the missing Madeleine McCann, who disappeared in 2007 from Praia da Luz, Portugal. She appeared on a popular American talk show, 'Dr. Phil,' to reiterate her assertions. During the trial, prosecutors presented 'unequivocal scientific evidence' from a forensic expert, including DNA tests, which confirmed that Wandelt had no biological link to the McCanns and was, in fact, Polish.
The McCanns testified about the distress caused by Wandelt's actions. Kate McCann stated that Wandelt's behaviour left her feeling 'invaded and distressed,' particularly after Wandelt approached their home in December 2024 and later sent a letter addressed to 'mum.' Gerry McCann described her behaviour as 'at times unbearable,' while Amelie McCann recounted receiving 'creepy' social media messages. Wandelt was arrested at Bristol Airport in February 2025 upon her arrival from Poland.
Sentence and McCann Family's Response
Following the conviction, Wandelt was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, the maximum penalty for harassment. However, she was immediately released as she had already served this time while awaiting trial. The judge also issued an indefinite restraining order against Wandelt 'for the protection of the McCanns,' forbidding any contact with them. Her mobile phones are to be forfeited and destroyed. Furthermore, Wandelt faces deportation from the UK.
In a statement released after the verdict, Kate and Gerry McCann expressed that they 'take no pleasure in the result.' They stated, 'Like most people, we did not want to go through a court process and only wanted the harassment to stop.' The couple also conveyed their hope that 'Ms Wandelt will receive the appropriate care and support she needs and any vulnerability will not be exploited by others.'
6 Comments
ZmeeLove
This woman clearly needs help, not just jail time. Sad situation.
Eric Cartman
Focus on Madeleine, not on punishing a clearly troubled individual.
Kyle Broflovski
The conviction provides a necessary legal closure for the McCanns, ensuring their right to privacy. Yet, one can't help but feel that this case highlights a broader issue of mental health vulnerability being exploited or misunderstood in the public eye.
Eric Cartman
Justice finally served for the McCanns. They've been through enough.
Stan Marsh
Deportation? What about her mental health support? This isn't a solution.
Muchacho
Securing a restraining order and conviction was essential to protect the McCann family from further distress. However, it's also important to acknowledge that this outcome doesn't address the deeper psychological issues that might have driven Wandelt's actions in the first place.