Alleged stalker 'sent disturbing messages to close friends of McCanns'

N ALLEGED stalker sent disturbing and upsetting messages to a family who were in Portugal with the McCanns when Madeleine went missing, a trial has heard.

- SOPHIE ROBINSON

Jurors were told that Julia Wandelt, 24, also contacted the daughter of David and Fiona Payne, who has been “adversely impacted” by the girl's disappearance.

In one message, Wandelt, from Lubin in southwest Poland, suggested that if she did a DNA test with the McCanns, members of the “tapas group” could “clear your names” the court heard.

Mr and Mrs Payne, who have been “very close friends” to the McCanns for around 25 years, gave evidence yesterday at Leicester Crown Court and said Wandelt called them and sent them both messages last year.

Mrs Payne told the court she was “angry” that Wandelt sent friend requests and messages to their daughter.

She said: “It's really difficult actually.

"I think she’s a vulnerable young adult who has been adversely affected by Madeleine’s disappearance.

“She has the good sense to ignore these messages.

“I feel angry actually that she (Wandelt) sought to manipulate her in that way.”

Speaking about the messages sent to her family more generally, Mrs Payne told the court: “It's disturbing.