A Polish woman standing trial for stalking Madeleine McCann's parents consulted ChatGPT about whether she could be the missing child, Leicester Crown Court heard on Tuesday. The AI chatbot suggested to Julia Wandelt, 24, there was a "possibility" she might be Madeleine, whilst noting more evidence would be needed.
The court was told that Wandelt used the AI software to compare DNA profiles, including one she claimed was from the floor where Madeleine vanished in Praia da Luz, Portugal. However, forensic scientist Rosalyn Hammond previously testified that this DNA sample doesn't match Gerry McCann's profile and strongly indicates Wandelt is not related to the source.
Prosecution barrister Michael Duck KC presented 76 chat logs from Wandelt's phone showing her interactions with ChatGPT. In one exchange, she directly asked: "Does it mean Julia Wandelt may be Madeleine McCann?" The chatbot's response suggested a possible parent-child relationship but emphasised the need for verified DNA testing.
Earlier testimony from Iwona Modliborska, representing a Polish missing persons charity, revealed that Wandelt had previously claimed to be three different missing children. She first suggested she was Inga Gehricke from Germany, then Acacia Bishop who disappeared in 2003, before finally claiming to be Madeleine McCann.
The prosecution alleges Wandelt harassed Kate and Gerry McCann between June 2022 and February 2023 by perpetuating false claims about being their missing daughter, who disappeared in 2007. She stands trial alongside co-defendant Karen Spragg, 61, from Caerau, Cardiff. Both defendants deny one count of stalking.
Alleged sightings in Mallorca
In the summer of 2008, a year after Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, two separate reports of possible sightings emerged in the same area of Mallorca. Spanish police investigated the first sighting in coordination with their British counterparts, keeping the search active despite the uncertainty.