Madeleine McCann Imposter Convicted of Harassing Missing Girl’s Parents — and Parents Offer Sympathy

A Polish woman who falsely claimed to be Madeleine McCann has been convicted of harassing the missing girl’s parents.

Julia Wandelt, 24, was found guilty of harassment but cleared of the more serious charge of stalking. Her supporter, 61-year-old Karen Spragg, was acquitted of all charges following a five-week trial at Leicester Crown Court in England, according to the BBC and The Guardian.

Wandelt received a six-month prison sentence — time she has already served — and now faces deportation following a court order, The Guardian reported.

Wandelt has long claimed to be Madeleine, who was 3 years old when she disappeared from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007.

In December 2024, Wandelt went to Kate and Gerry McCann’s home in Leicestershire, demanding that Madeleine’s father take a DNA test. Spragg accompanied her that day. The following day, Wandelt returned alone and left a letter addressed to Kate and signed as her missing daughter, according to the BBC. However, a DNA test later confirmed she was not Madeleine, who was born two years after Wandelt.

Wandelt initially made contact with Madeleine’s younger sister, Amelie McCann, on social media in January 2024 after unsuccessfully trying to reach the parents, per the BBC. Both Amelie and her parents testified in court about the ordeal. Amelie said she attempted to handle the repeated contact herself, while her twin brother, Sean, had a statement read on his behalf explaining that he had quickly blocked Wandelt on social media.

During the trial, Wandelt testified, “I do believe I’m her. I do remember them, but I’m exhausted — I’m completely exhausted with all of this,” The Guardian reported. She claimed to have memories of living with the McCann family and playing with the siblings.

The judge issued restraining orders against both women, barring them from contacting Kate and Gerry McCann or visiting Leicestershire, according to the BBC.

Following the verdict, Madeleine’s parents released a statement: “Like most people, we did not want to go through a court process and only wanted the harassment to stop,” The Guardian reported. They added, “We hope Ms. Wandelt will receive the appropriate care and support she needs, and that any vulnerability will not be exploited by others.”

Kate and Gerry McCann were once considered suspects in their daughter’s disappearance but were later cleared. No charges have ever been filed in connection with the case, and Madeleine’s fate remains unknown. She would be 22 years old today.