A 21-year-old man accused of murdering PCSO Julia James has appeared in court today.

Callum Wheeler is charged with killing the mum-of-two by inflicting serious head injuries while she walked her dog in Snowdown, between Canterbury and Dover.

Wheeler, of Sunshine Corner Avenue in nearby Aylesham, was charged with murder almost a fortnight after Julia, 53, was found dead on April 27.

She was discovered close to Akholt Wood, about 400 metres from her home.

Wheeler appeared at the Old Bailey in London today via videolink.

He did not enter a plea but is due to do so in the week of October 4. A trial date is set for November 29 at Canterbury Crown Court.

Julia, who was found with her Jack Russell, Toby, by her side, worked with the domestic violence unit at Canterbury police station.

A post-mortem investigation revealed she suffered "significant head injuries", sparking a widespread hunt for her killer.

She had been working from home on the day of her death.

Officers spent weeks scouring land in Snowdown and days in Sunshine Corner Avenue, where Wheeler's home was cordoned off.

Read more about the case so far

• PCSO found dead in field named
• People scared to walk dogs or let children catch the bus after PSCO found dead
• Women told to avoid woods as police chief to give update on PSCO murder probe
• Callum Wheeler charged with murder

• Julia James murder suspect appears in court

• Julia James murder suspect trial date set

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