DISTURBING DISCOVERY  — A family friend of Madeleine McCann says they were shocked to find a series of disturbing messages buried in their spam folder. Some are described as “chilling and deeply unsettling,” reigniting questions that have haunted the case for years.

Insiders say the messages could hold clues that were previously overlooked — leaving investigators and the family asking: what else has gone unnoticed all this time?

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Madeleine McCann family friend opened spam folder to find ‘disturbing’ messages

Fiona Payne, who was with Madeleine McCann’s parents the night she went missing, spoke at the trial of alleged stalkers Julia Wandelt, 24, a Polish national, and Karen Spragg, 61, of Cardiff

David and Fiona Payne gave evidence

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David and Fiona Payne gave evidence(Image: PA)

One of the people who was with missing Madeleine McCann’s parents the night she went missing, has told a jury she received ‘disturbing messages’ from a woman accused of stalking the girl’s family.

David and Fiona Payne were holidaying in Praia da Luz in Portugal back in 2007 and have given evidence for the prosecution against Polish-born Julia Wandelt, 24, and Karen Spragg, 61, of Caerau in Cardiff. Jurors were told the pair were the McCann’s so-called ‘Tapas’ friends.

Fiona Payne was asked by the prosecutor if she had been approached by Wandlet. She told jurors: “We have had lots of contact from various people over the years, but we have never been contacted by anyone who thinks they could be Madeleine.”

Julie Wandelt is accused of stalking

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Julie Wandelt is accused of stalking

Jurors were played a recording of Mrs Payne hanging up after Wandelt introduced herself. Mrs Payne said she also received messages from Wandelt via Facebook Messenger last year – but only discovered them last week when she checked her spam folder.

She told Leicester Crown Court: “I found a catalogue of messages from a person called ‘Julia Julia’, including pictures of DNA reports.” In one message, which was read to the jury, Wandelt wrote: “Hi, from what I’ve learned you are one of the few people who still believe Madeleine is alive.

“I really need to have my DNA samples compared with Madeleine’s parents. Please help me. I really don’t lie, I remember them.”

Karen Spragg arrives at Leicester Crown Court

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Karen Spragg arrives at Leicester Crown Court(Image: PA)

Mrs Payne told jurors her daughter was also contacted by Wandelt. “The messages were along similar lines but perhaps more emotive,” she said.

“It’s really difficult. She is a vulnerable young adult who has been personally affected by Madeleine’s disappearance, so she had the good sense to ignore them. I felt angry that she had sought to manipulate her.”

When asked how she felt to receive messages from Wandelt, Mrs Payne said: “It’s disturbing.” Previously the court heard from Fiona’s husband David.

Maddie McCann

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Maddie McCann went missing in 2007(Image: Getty Images) 

Jurors have been played phone calls which Wandelt reportedly made to Mr Payne and recorded herself. In one she asked him: “Could you please contact me with Kate and Gerry. Please don’t hang up the call.” And in another Wandelt was heard saying: “I truly believe I’m Madeleine. I just want to know.”

Wandelt is accused of stalking Kate and Gerry McCann and is alleged to have attended the family home in Leicestershire. She is also accused of sending a letter, calls, voicemails and WhatsApp messages to Kate and Gerry McCann, and sending Amelie and Sean McCann messages.

Spragg is also charged with one count of stalking. The offences are alleged to have taken place between June 2022 and February 2025. The trial continues.