Polish woman accused after McCann family bombarded with messages

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A Cardiff woman, Karen Spragg, 60, has firmly denied allegations of stalking the family of missing Madeleine McCann, a case that continues to captivate public attention nearly two decades after the child’s disappearance.

Spragg, from Caerau, Cardiff, appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Monday to face charges related to making calls, sending letters, and visiting the home of Madeleine’s parents, Gerry and Kate McCann. She pleaded not guilty to stalking the family, which is said to have caused serious alarm or distress between May 2024 and February 2025.

Alongside Spragg, Julia Wandel, 23, a Polish national from Lubin, also pleaded not guilty to similar stalking charges. Wandel, who previously claimed to be Madeleine McCann herself, is accused of a series of disturbing actions including making calls, leaving voicemails, sending letters and WhatsApp messages to the McCanns, as well as turning up at their family home on two occasions last year.

Additionally, she allegedly sent Instagram messages to the McCanns’ other children, Sean and Amelie. Wandel was arrested at Bristol Airport and remains in custody, while Spragg was granted conditional bail. Both are scheduled to appear at Leicester Crown Court for trial on October 212345.

Madeleine McCann vanished in 2007 at the age of three while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz, Portugal, sparking one of the most extensive and widely reported missing-person investigations in recent history. Despite numerous leads and global media coverage, the case remains unsolved, with no confirmed sightings or evidence of Madeleine’s whereabouts since her disappearance.

The stalking charges against Spragg and Wandel highlight ongoing challenges faced by the McCann family, who have endured years of public scrutiny and distress. Stalking, particularly involving high-profile victims, is recognized as a serious offense that can cause significant psychological harm. According to UK law, stalking includes repeated unwanted communications or contact that causes fear, alarm, or distress to the victim or their family.

This case also underscores the complex intersection between mental health issues and criminal behavior in stalking incidents. Experts note that individuals who engage in such conduct often require psychological assessment and support, alongside legal intervention, to address underlying causes and prevent further harm.

The upcoming trial will determine the veracity of the allegations and the extent of the impact on the McCann family. As the legal process unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the enduring pain caused by Madeleine’s disappearance and the ongoing efforts to protect her family from further trauma.

For those seeking updates on this and other significant legal developments, WalesOnline has launched a WhatsApp community providing breaking news, court stories, and other important local information in Wales, offering a convenient way to stay informed without overwhelming users with constant messages2.

This case continues to draw attention not only because of the unresolved mystery surrounding Madeleine McCann but also due to the broader societal issues it raises about victim protection, stalking laws, and the psychological toll on families caught in the public eye.