McCanns' friends disturbed and upset by alleged stalker

AN alleged stalker sent disturbing messages to friends of Madeleine McCann's family who were on the group holiday in the Algarve when the toddler went missing, a court heard.

- By Sophie Robinson

Julia Wandelt, 24, is accused of peddling a myth that she is Madeleine, who disappeared in Praia da Luz, Portugal, shortly before her fourth birthday in 2007.

David and Fiona Payne, who have been "very close friends" of the McCanns for around 25 years, said Wandelt sent them both messages last year.

In one message she suggested that if she did a DNA test with the McCanns, the group dubbed the "tapas nine" at the time - due to having been in a tapas bar on the night Madeleine vanished could "clear your names", the court heard.

In a phone call with Mr Payne, a recording of which was played to Leicester Crown Court, Wandelt was heard saying: "Please connect me with Kate and Gerry."