A Cardiff woman has made headlines after appearing in court, facing charges of stalking the family of Madeline McCann. Karen Spragg, aged 60 from Caerau, was brought before Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, March 27. The charges against her involve one count of stalking, which allegedly caused serious alarm and distress between May 3, 2024, and February 21, this year. The prosecution claims that Spragg engaged in a series of troubling behaviours, including making calls, sending letters, and even visiting the home of Mr. and Mrs. McCann.
During her court appearance on Friday, March 28, Spragg, clad in a beige tracksuit and carrying a red bag, confirmed her name and address but did not enter a plea during the 10-minute hearing. Chair of the bench, Elizabeth Needham, granted Spragg bail with several conditions. These conditions prohibited her from contacting the McCann family, including their children and two family friends. She was also ordered not to enter Leicestershire unless attending court and to reside at her home address. Spragg was informed that her case would proceed to the crown court, with a date set for April 22.
In a separate but related incident, Julia Wandel, a 23-year-old woman from Lubin in south-west Poland, also faced charges of stalking the McCann family. Wandel appeared via video-link before Leicester Crown Court and was denied bail by Judge Timothy Spencer KC after a 15-minute hearing. The details of the bail application made by Wandel have not been disclosed. She was arrested at Bristol Airport last month and stands accused of stalking Kate, Gerry, Sean and Amelie McCann between January 3, 2024, and February 15, 2025. Allegations include visits to the family home in Leicestershire and multiple forms of digital communication with the McCanns.
The disappearance of Madeleine McCann at the age of three from Praia da Luz in Portugal’s Algarve in 2007 remains an unsolved mystery. The emotional toll on the McCann family due to the ongoing search for their daughter has captured the world’s attention over the years. The involvement of Karen Spragg and Julia Wandel in these stalking incidents has only added to the family’s distress. The court proceedings have shed light on the potential dangers of obsession and harassment in high-profile cases like this.
The court’s decision to grant bail to Karen Spragg with strict conditions underscores the seriousness of the allegations against her. The legal process will continue with both women set to face trial in the future. The media coverage of this case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in high-profile missing persons cases and the impact on the families involved. The McCann family continues to seek closure and justice for Madeleine, amidst the challenges posed by individuals who exploit their vulnerability for personal reasons.
As the legal proceedings progress, the attention remains on the ultimate goal of finding out the truth about Madeleine McCann’s disappearance. The emotional and psychological toll on the McCann family due to these relentless acts of stalking cannot be understated. The upcoming trial will provide a platform for justice to be served and for the McCann family to seek solace and closure in their ongoing quest for answers.