A Polish woman claiming to be Madeleine McCann messaged friends of the missing girl’s family to suggest that her “parents” tried to murder her, a court has heard.

Julia Wandelt, 24, contacted David and Fiona Payne, who were among the seven people who dined with Kate and Gerry McCann on the night Madeleine vanished from their apartment in Portugal in May 2007.

In one message, Ms Wandelt, from Lubin, south-west Poland, suggested that if she did a DNA test with the McCanns, members of the “tapas group” could clear their names.

In another message, she said: “I believe it’s possible it was attempted murder because I was given huge doses of medication.”

Ms Wandelt denies stalking Mr and Mrs McCann and their other two children between June 2022 and February this year by making phone calls and turning up at their address.

Mrs Payne told Leicester Crown Court she was “angry” that Ms Wandelt had not only contacted her but had also sent online friend requests and messages to their daughter.

She said: “It’s really difficult actually. I think she’s a vulnerable young adult who has been adversely affected by Madeleine’s disappearance. She has the good sense to ignore these messages. I feel angry, actually, that she [Wandelt] sought to manipulate her in that way.”

Speaking about the messages sent to her family, Mrs Payne told the jury: “It’s disturbing. We have had a lot of contact from various people over the years, reporters and the like wanting information, or people with conspiracy theories. However, we have never been contacted by anyone who thinks they could be Madeleine.”

In a series of messages after several phone calls, Ms Wandelt wrote: “I could hear the sadness in your voice, David. You are literally the only person connected to Kate and Gerry McCann who answered my call and spoke with me a little bit. You are my only hope David, help me please.”

In another message she said: “This could end your years of trauma and criticism too. As a member of the ‘tapas group’ you could clear your names. I can send all my evidence for review if you can find the strength to help me.”

Mr Payne also said he was “surprised and concerned” that Ms Wandelt had photographs of his family, and the McCanns, which had not been made public.

On Christmas Eve last year, the court heard, Ms Wandelt sent Mr Payne a message that said “Merry Christmas David. The truth will set you all free.”

Police have told the court that DNA samples taken upon Ms Wandelt’s arrest in February “conclusively proved” that she was not Madeleine. Ms Wandelt and her co-defendant, 61-year-old Karen Spragg, of Caerau, Cardiff, both deny one count of stalking.