Woman Claiming to Be Madeleine McCann Testifies in Stalking Trial, Says She Possessed Holiday Photos of McCanns
A woman central to online claims of being Madeleine McCann testified today in a stalking trial, stating she received personal holiday photographs of Kate and Gerry McCann from an acquaintance linked to a man who was wiht the couple in Portugal when their daughter disappeared in 2007. The witness, identified as Miss wandelt, told the court she has never published the photos and has no intention of doing so.
The case centers on allegations of stalking and harassment, with Miss Wandelt‘s testimony offering a new layer of complexity. Her claims of being Madeleine McCann have garnered meaningful online attention, and the trial’s outcome could have implications for the spread of misinformation and the impact on the McCann family, who have long been subject to intense public scrutiny. The court is examining Miss Wandelt’s interactions with individuals connected to the case, including David Payne, a former investigator who worked with the McCanns.
Miss Wandelt explained she received the photographs from a woman she found on Facebook to be friends with Russell O’Brien, who was present with the McCanns in Portugal around the time of Madeleine’s disappearance. “I never published them and I never will publish them,” she stated to the jury.
The witness further detailed attempts to contact Mr. Payne and his wife, Fiona, sending messages seeking assistance in reaching Kate and Gerry McCann directly. She admitted uncertainty about whether her messages were actually being received.
mr. Payne responded to one message stating he was unable to help, adding, “I’m sorry, we have had enough over the years.” When questioned about the meaning of this response by Tom Price KC, Miss Wandelt suggested, “I think Kate and Gerry and all the friends, all of them were affected by this, mostly by all these accusations and possibly that is what he meant.”
Miss Wandelt also revealed that Mr. Payne was the only person who responded to her messages. The trial continues.
