Dad of 'Polish Maddie' Reveals Their Last Meeting
Julia Wandelt remained steadfast despite a two-year age gap, pressure from her Polish family, and DNA test results. She claimed to be Madeleine McCann, who disappeared at age three during a family holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in 2007. Once convinced of her identity, Wandelt’s determination did not waver, as revealed during four weeks of hearings at Leicester Crown Court.
Persistent Contact with McCann Family
Wandelt sent numerous calls, emails, and messages not only to Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, but also to their twins, Amelie and Sean, who were 20 years old at the time. On a single day in April last year, the 24-year-old from Gorzów Wielkopolski sent over 60 messages and calls to Kate McCann.
“I know my accent is Polish because I live here, I know I look fat and I know I’m not pretty like Madeleine was in the past, but I know what I know. I know what I remember,”
Wandelt also sent a letter addressed to "Dear Mum (Kate)." These communications were deeply painful for the McCanns, who, as Gerry admitted during his testimony, still hold onto a "glimmer" of hope that Madeleine might be alive. At one point, Wandelt even appeared in Rothley, Leicestershire, the village where the McCann family lives.
Author's Summary
Despite clear evidence, Julia Wandelt’s unwavering belief that she is Madeleine McCann led to persistent, distressing contact with the McCann family and public attention.