Alleged McCann stalker 'stunned' vigil organiser

October 10, 2025

Alleged McCann stalker 'stunned' vigil organiser

The organiser of an annual vigil held to mark the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has told a court she was "stunned" after being approached by the alleged stalker of the missing girl's parents.

Julia Wandelt, who Leicester Crown Court heard believes she is Madeleine, and Karen Spragg are on trial charged with stalking Kate and Gerry McCann.

Janet Kennedy said Ms Wandelt tried to hand her an envelope at a vigil on 3 May 2024 marking the anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance in 2007.

Ms Wandelt and Mrs Spragg both deny the charges.

Giving evidence on Friday, Mrs Kennedy, Madeleine's great-aunt, told the jury she had "always been there" for the family and was "a confidante" to Kate McCann.

She said she had seen media reporting about Ms Wandelt's claims before the 2024 vigil in Rothley, Leicestershire - which she said she helped organise each year - and added Mrs McCann had told her about someone "sending messages".

Mrs Kennedy told the court rain disrupted her preparations, with last year's vigil moved inside the nearby Baptist Church.

Parish priest Rev Robert Gladstone, who also gave evidence, said he was approached by someone who told him her name was Julia and asked to be introduced to the McCanns.