A letter signed “Madeleine X” was posted through the door of Madeleine McCann’s parents’ home the day after two women accused of stalking them attended the property, a court has heard. Leicester Crown Court heard that Karen Spragg, 61, and 24-year-old Julia Wandelt, who claims to be the missing girl, visited the McCanns’ home in Leicestershire on December 7 last year, the court was told.
The next day, a letter was posted through the door. Giving evidence against Karen Spragg, 61, and 24-year-old Julia Wandelt, who both deny stalking, Mrs McCann said she first became aware of communications from the younger defendant around three years ago. Prosecutors allege Wandelt, from Lubin in south-west Poland, peddled the myth that she herself was Madeleine – who went missing in Portugal in 2007 – while stalking the missing girl’s parents by sending emails, making phone calls and turning up at their address.
Wandelt and Spragg, of Caerau Court Road in Caerau, Cardiff, deny a count of stalking causing serious alarm and distress to Mrs McCann and her husband Gerry between June 2022 and February this year.
The court heard how Ms Wandelt posted a letter through the McCann’s door a day after she and Spragg turned up outside on 7 December 2024.
The letter read: “Dear Mum (Kate),
“I’m so sorry for causing you so much distress, but when I saw you yesterday, my emotions were so strong.
“I felt a close connection to you.
“I don’t like to see you being upset.
“All I want is to find out the truth. I have memories and I have gathered a lot of evidences supporting my case.
“I think that inside your heart you believe and know who I am and I am your daughter.
“I don’t understand why you don’t want to do a DNA test with me.
“I think you are scared, but whatever makes you scared, just remember that you are stronger than that.
“Yesterday, I heard a lot of care and love in your voice.
“I believe and I hope that you will find a way to contact me.
“Lots of love,
“Madeleine X”
Mrs McCann told the court reading the letter was “really distressing” and that the fact it was signed off with her missing daughter’s name with a kiss is an example of the thing that was upsetting me most.”
Both Spragg and Wandelt deny stalking. The trial continues.