A WOMAN who harassed the family of a toddler who vanished more than 30 years ago was branded “pure evil” today (Tuesday, March 19).

Donna Wright, of Spennymoor, County Durham - who suffers from mental health problems - was spared jail when her 12-week prison sentence was suspended for 18 months.

Hari Jandoo, prosecuting, said the 33-year-old - who is the same age as Katrice Lee would be today - contacted the family via Facebook claiming to be their long-lost daughter.

However, when a DNA test proved false she continued sending abusive Facebook postings and e-mails to Katrice's mother and sister.

Police warned her to stop and she eventually admitted harassment after sending 12 messages over a six week period last year.  She later breached a bail condition not to contact the family.

In one rambling message Wright, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, said "The girl was abducted as a baby, my husband and I got her through the army."

Two-year-old Katrice disappeared in 1981 while shopping with her mother on a British Army base in Paderborn, Germany, where her father Richard Lee, from Hartlepool, was serving with 15/19th The Kings Royal Hussars.  

Another message read: “You lost your daughter over a packet of crisps, you make me sick.”

A victim statement by Katrice’s sister, Nathasha, 39, who live in the Portsmouth area, said: “I am filled with dread every time I log on to Facebook in case I have a message from her. Donna Wright is pure evil.”

Leanne Galbraith, mitigating, said Wright had mental health problems and she apologised on her behalf.

She said Wright genuinely believed she was Katrice Lee and had considered taking her own life.

Wright, 33, of Hillside Court, Spennymoor, was sentenced via a videolink at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court by District Judge Martin Walker who ordered her to pay £200 compensation each to Katrice’s mother and sister from her benefits.

He also imposed a restraining order preventing  her contacting the family.

Outside the court Katrice’s father, Mr Lee - surrounded by former comrades who helped in the original search - said: “I do not believe that Donna Wright got her just deserts.  I had hoped for a prison sentence."