We take no pleasure in this verdict

KATE and Gerry McCann say they never wanted to go to court over Julia Wandelt’s harassment - they just wanted it to stop.

- BY TOM PETTIFOR Crime Editor

Now, after Wandelt was found guilty and told she faces deportation for repeatedly claiming to be their missing daughter Madeleine, they say the verdict gives them no pleasure at all.

The parents, whose three-year-old girl went missing in Portugal in May 2007, said: “Like most people, we did not want to go through a court process and only wanted the harassment to stop. The decision to prosecute was taken by the Crown Prosecution Service, based on the evidence gathered by the police.

“We hope Ms Wandelt will receive the appropriate care and support she needs and any vulnerability will not be exploited by others.