Julia Wandel, who claimed to be Madeleine McCann, faces stalking charges and said ‘sorry’ in court after her arrest.
Julia showed up at the family’s home, it is alleged. She left voicemails and sent many messages. Julia was arrested at Bristol Airport, an arrest that happened on Wednesday this week.
She appeared in court on Friday and stated her full name as Julia Wandel, “according to court documents”. She also gave her birth date to the court.
The court inquired about her plea, asking if she would plead guilty, not guilty, or give no indication at all. Julia then said, “Sorry, I’m stressed,” after giving no indication to the magistrates.
Julia, 23, is accused of stalking the family, which includes Kate, Gerry, Sean, and Amelie, between January 3, 2024, and February 15, 2025.
She is alleged to have visited their home on May 2 and December 7 last year. She also reportedly sent a letter, made calls, left voicemails, and sent WhatsApp messages.
The prosecutor said that Instagram messages were sent to Amelie and Sean between January 3 and December 29 last year, with the contact starting in 2022 and becoming both frequent and alarming.
Julia allegedly tried to make the McCanns believe she was Madeleine. She went to a vigil in Rothley last year, marking Madeleine’s disappearance anniversary, although Madeleine’s parents were not present.
She allegedly delivered a letter to their address. Julia had also claimed to be Madeleine on Instagram in 2023, despite a DNA test revealing her Polish heritage, along with some Lithuanian and Romanian heritage.
Julia will remain in custody until April 7. She is scheduled to appear at Leicester Crown Court then, where they will hold a plea hearing.