A trial involving two women accused of stalking the family of missing Madeleine McCann has heard testimony from a couple who are close friends of the family. David and Fiona Payne, who were with Kate and Gerry McCann on the night Madeleine went missing while dining at a tapas restaurant in Praia da Luz, Portugal in 2007, have provided evidence against the defendants, Julia Wandelt and Karen Spragg.
David, known as one of the McCanns’ ‘Tapas’ friends, testified in Leicester Crown Court that Wandelt had made phone calls to him, claiming to be Madeleine and asking for contact with Kate and Gerry. He described the calls as distressing and mentioned receiving messages from Wandelt urging him to help her clear her name by speaking to the McCanns.
Fiona Payne, who has known the McCann family for approximately 25 years, also testified about Wandelt’s claims and interactions. She recalled Kate’s emotional reaction to the situation and mentioned receiving messages from Wandelt via Facebook Messenger, including requests for DNA comparisons with Madeleine’s parents.
Wandelt faces charges of stalking Kate and Gerry McCann, allegedly visiting their family home and sending various forms of communication to them and their children. Spragg is also charged with stalking, with the offenses said to have occurred between June 2022 and February 2025. The court proceedings have shed light on the disturbing nature of the allegations against the defendants.
