Nearly two decades after 3-year-old Madeleine McCann disappeared from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, a Polish woman who repeatedly claimed she was the missing child was ultimately confronted with DNA evidence proving otherwise.

According to court testimony, Julia Wandelt, then 24, spent years insisting she was Madeleine McCann and repeatedly contacted Madeleine’s family as well as investigators involved in Operation Grange, the Metropolitan Police investigation into the disappearance.

Authorities said Wandelt sent hundreds of phone calls, text messages, voicemails, letters, and other communications to Kate and Gerry McCann and their family. She also reportedly traveled to the McCanns’ home in Leicestershire, seeking a DNA comparison in an effort to support her claims.

Court proceedings revealed that Wandelt and a supporter allegedly discussed unusual methods of obtaining Kate McCann’s DNA, including searching through rubbish bins and collecting used cutlery from restaurants the family had visited. The McCann family described the repeated contact as deeply distressing.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell, the senior officer leading Operation Grange, testified that investigators had already concluded Wandelt could not be Madeleine based on available evidence, noting differences in age and appearance. He explained that police normally do not authorize DNA testing in such cases unless there is credible evidence supporting the claim, both to avoid creating false hope for families and to discourage similar unfounded allegations.

However, Cranwell said he made an exception after learning Wandelt was about to be arrested in connection with harᴀssment allegations. He hoped that a definitive DNA comparison would finally convince her to stop contacting the McCann family.

DNA samples collected following her arrest in February 2025 were compared with the available reference material, and the results conclusively showed that Wandelt was not Madeleine McCann.

Investigators later informed Wandelt directly of the findings, although officers reportedly remained concerned that she might continue to dispute the scientific evidence.

Following a five-week trial, a jury found Wandelt guilty of harᴀssment involving Kate and Gerry McCann between June 2022 and February 2025. She was acquitted of a more serious stalking charge.

The court sentenced her to six months in prison, a term she had already served while being held before trial. Prosecutors also confirmed that deportation proceedings had been initiated. Her co-defendant, Karen Spragg, was acquitted of all charges.

The case highlighted the continuing challenges faced by Madeleine McCann’s family, who have endured years of false claims from individuals alleging they are their missing daughter.

While the official investigation into Madeleine’s disappearance remains active, police have repeatedly emphasized that unfounded claims not only cause significant emotional distress for the family but also consume valuable investigative resources that could otherwise be directed toward legitimate leads.

Source: theguardian