On 7 November, a Leicester court convicted Julia W. of stalking the McCann family, sentencing her to six months in prison and a lifetime ban from the family and Leicestershire.
Judge’s Comments
Judge Cutts described Julia W. as posing a significant threat to the McCann family and potentially continuing to harass them in the future. She stated that W.’s childhood problems do not justify her behaviour and confirmed that she is not Madeleine McCann, criticizing the lack of logical basis for her actions. The judge noted that W. persisted in harassment, appeared at the McCann home on a dark December evening, and failed to heed warnings, continuing contact with the family, their friends, and their children.
Alarming Behaviour of the Polish Woman
From June 2022 until February 2025, Julia W. contacted the McCanns—calling, letter writing, texting, and physically appearing in front of their house—while claiming to be the missing Madeleine McCann. She posted photos on social media to suggest resemblance to the girl. Earlier that year she was arrested; in October a trial began addressing her disturbing conduct towards the McCanns. Recent DNA tests confirmed that Julia W. is not Madeleine McCann.
Legal Outcomes and Restrictions
On 7 November, at the Leicester court, Julia W. was found guilty of harassment, not stalking, and was sentenced to six months in prison, which she had already completed in February. The court also imposed a lifetime ban preventing her from approaching the McCann family or entering Leicestershire, where they reside. The same day, the court found that her supporter Karen Spragg had not engaged in stalking, and W. remains prohibited from contacting the McCanns or visiting Leicestershire for five years.
