A woman has been accused of subjecting Madeleine McCann's parents to a three-year campaign of torment, during which she allegedly sent hundreds of malicious communications about their missing daughter.
Helga White, 52, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court facing charges of stalking Kate and Gerry McCann between January 2020 and February 2023. The court heard how the defendant allegedly bombarded the couple with over 100 emails and letters containing what prosecutors described as "vile" content.
Systematic Harassment Revealed
Prosecutor Adina Ezekiel outlined how White's campaign involved sending numerous communications that directly referenced the disappearance of Madeleine, who went missing from a Portuguese holiday apartment in 2007 when she was just three years old.
"The nature of these communications was particularly distressing given the context of the McCanns' missing daughter," Ms Ezekiel told the court. The messages allegedly contained malicious and harmful content designed to cause maximum emotional distress to the grieving parents.
Legal Proceedings Underway
District Judge Michael Snow granted White conditional bail ahead of her next appearance at Southwark Crown Court. The conditions include:
- Not contacting Kate or Gerry McCann directly or indirectly
- Not referring to the McCann family in any public communications
- Surrendering her passport and not applying for any international travel documents
The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of Madeleine's disappearance, which remains one of the most widely reported missing person cases in modern history.
White, who indicated a not guilty plea to the single stalking charge during the hearing, will face trial at a later date as the legal process continues to unfold.
