Julia James: Callum Wheeler denies PCSO murder
- Published
Julia James was a serving PCSO with Kent Police
A man has pleaded not guilty to murdering police community support officer Julia James.
Ms James, 53, was found with fatal head injuries next to Akholt Wood, near Dover, on 27 April, leading to a large police investigation.
Callum Wheeler, 21, from Aylesham, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court accused of her murder.
The court heard his trial, which was previously set for 29 November, has been delayed.
Wheeler was remanded in custody and a new trial date will be set as soon as possible.
Police officers from all over the country were drafted in to comb nearby fields and woodland following Ms James' death.
The support officer, who had worked for Kent Police since 2008, was found with her Jack Russell dog Toby by her side.
Her family praised her as "fiercely loyal" and someone who "loved with her whole heart".
In a tribute released by police, they said: "Her loss will be felt by us every moment of every day. She will be so sorely missed.
"As a family we are trying to understand how we will navigate our lives without her, it seems an impossible task."
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