McCanns stalker contacted Kate and Gerry tapas pals, court told

Couple describe 'disturbing' messages from accused

- BY MARTIN FRICKER

A STALKER claiming to be Madeleine McCann contacted her parents' tapas restaurant friends, jurors heard.

Kate and Gerry McCann were dining with pals when their three-year-old daughter disappeared from a resort in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in May 2007.

Two of the group, David and Fiona Payne, say they were contacted by Julia Wandelt, 24.

They said Wandelt began begging to be put in touch with Kate and Gerry last October.

Mrs Payne, who has known the family for 25 years, said the Polish national also messaged her daughter on social media.

She said: “It's really difficult. She is a vulnerable young adult who has been personally affected by Madeleine's disappearance.