The trial of two women accused of stalking Madeleine McCann’s family has resumed, focusing on the collection of DNA evidence in the search for the missing three-year-old. Leicester Crown Court has heard testimony from Madeleine’s parents, siblings, family friends, and investigators, detailing the impact of the alleged actions of Julia Wandelt and Karen Spragg on the family.

Wandelt, a 24-year-old Polish national, is accused of claiming to be Madeleine and contacting the family, leading to a visit to their home alongside Spragg, a 61-year-old from Cardiff. Wandelt’s repeated emails to the Find Madeleine website, expressing her belief that she is the missing girl, were highlighted during the court proceedings.

Stacy Gorman, a key figure in the campaign to find Madeleine McCann, testified about Wandelt’s persistent communication and the potential negative effects it could have on the search efforts. Despite Wandelt’s claims and demands for a DNA test, forensic analysis confirmed that there is no match between her DNA profile and that of Madeleine.

The court session also included testimony from forensic scientist Rosalyn Hammond, who confirmed the lack of a genetic match between Wandelt and Madeleine. The ongoing trial, which addresses the stalking allegations against Wandelt and Spragg, is set to continue as further evidence is presented.

Wandelt’s repeated attempts to assert her identity as Madeleine have raised concerns within the campaign team, with Gorman emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on the genuine search for the missing child. The court proceedings shed light on the intricacies of DNA analysis and the conclusive evidence ruling out Wandelt’s claims of being related to the McCann family.

The hearing has been adjourned until the next session, where additional witnesses and evidence are expected to be presented. The case against Wandelt and Spragg, accused of stalking Madeleine McCann’s family over a period of several years, continues to unfold in Leicester Crown Court.