Influencer allegedly bombarded McCanns with letters and calls

A WOMAN claiming to be Madeleine McCann has pleaded not guilty to stalking the missing toddler’s parents and siblings by turning up at their home.

Julia Wandelt, also known as Julia Wandel, was arrested as she touched down at Bristol Airport in February.

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Julia Wandelt is accused of stalking Madeleine McCann’s familyCredit: Julia Wandelt

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Wandelt claims to be the missing toddlerCredit: PA

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Karen Spragg also denied stalking the McCann familyCredit: PA
She had travelled from Wroclaw in Poland, and was due to meet with a friend who lives in Cardiff when she was detained.

The 23-year-old appeared at Leicester Crown Court today where she denied four counts of stalking.

Wandelt is accused of causing serious alarm or distress against Kate and Gerry McCann between May 2, 2024, and February 15 this year.

She allegedly made unwanted contact with the McCanns, turned up at their address, sent letters and WhatsApp messages and made calls and voicemails.

Wandelt is also charged with stalking Madeleine’s sister Amelie between January 3 and April 21 last year.

She is accused of the same charge against Madeleine’s brother, Sean, between November 27 and December 29 last year.

Wandelt appeared alongside Karen Spragg, 60, who is also charged with stalking Madeleine’s family.

She denied causing serious alarm or distress between May 3, 2024, and February 21 this year.

Wandelt was remanded into custody while Spragg was granted conditional bail.

They will both appear at the same court for trial on October 2.

Madeline McCann vanished while on holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal, with her parents Gerry and Kate.

There has been no trace of the three-year-old since the 2007 horror.

German police have repeatedly insisted Christian Brueckner is the prime suspect but so far have been unable to bring any other charges against him.

Julia became an internet sensation in February 2023 after claiming to be the missing toddler on Instagram under the handle, @IAmMadeleineMcCann.

She had previously shared DNA test results which concluded she is 100 per cent Polish, and therefore could not be missing Madeleine.

But in February, Julia posted “new” DNA results which she claimed revealed she is related to Gerry McCann.

Julia also claims she was never shown photos of herself in her early years or a birth certificate.

However, her parents had quickly refuted this and provided evidence.

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Wandelt allegedly turned up at Kate and Gerry McCann’s homeCredit: PA

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She was arrested after touching down in the UKCredit: Dr Fia Johansson

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Madeleine vanished in May 2007Credit: AFP