Julia James: Callum Wheeler in court over PCSO murder

Julia James was a serving PCSO with Kent Police

A trial date has been set for a man charged with the murder of police community support officer Julia James.

Ms James, 53, was found with fatal head injuries next to Akholt Wood, Snowdown, near Dover, on 27 April.

Callum Wheeler, 21, from Aylesham, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court via video link from Belmarsh prison.

Mr Wheeler spoke only to confirm his name and to say he could hear Judge Philip Statman during the 12-minute hearing. He was remanded in custody.

A trial date has been set for 29 November, with a plea and trial preparation hearing set for 8 June.

No members of Ms James's family were at the hearing.

Judge Statman said: "There being no application for bail, in the circumstances having looked at all the matters, it is right and proper the defendant should remain in custody."

Walks for Julia

Ms James, who had worked for Kent Police since 2008, had been walking her dog near her home in Snowdown at the time of the attack, police said.

Police carried out a reconstruction of Ms James's last walk with her Jack Russell, Toby, on Tuesday.

Following that, Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said: "We have received a number of additional calls from members of the public and the local community with information they feel may assist the investigation."

Ms James's cousin, Sam Griffin, is organising a series of walks in memory of the PCSO.

Ms Griffin suggested online that those taking part in the Walks for Julia could wear something blue or blue ribbons, in recognition of Ms James's role in the police force.

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