Julia James: Trial Date Set for Man Charged with Murder of Police Community Support Officer | UK News

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

Callum Wheeler, 21, of Aylesham, is accused of inflicting serious head injuries on the 53-year-old while she was walking her dog.

Ms James was found dead in Akholt Wood, near her home in Snowdown, Kent, on April 27, with her dog Jack Russell Toby by her side.

Wheeler was arrested last Friday and charged with her murder on Monday, appearing for the first time in Medway Magistrates’ Court the next day.

He appeared by video link from Belmarsh Prison for the 12-minute hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday, wearing a gray t-shirt and gray pants with a black mask.

Prosecutor Martin Yale told the court “a number of forensic investigations” remained pending in the case, including an iron bar.

No member of Ms James’ family was in court on Thursday.

Police officers seated in the public gallery included Chief Detective Inspector Gavin Moss of the Kent Police – where Ms James had worked.

Judge Philip Statman has set a date for the trial for November 29.

No plea was entered to the murder charge and no bail application was made by Wheeler’s attorney, Lesley Manley.

The judge said he acknowledged the case was “high profile” and placed the defendant in pre-trial detention.

“In the absence of a bail application, in the circumstances, after considering all the issues, it is fair and appropriate that the accused remain in custody.”

Kent Police are still calling witnesses in the case and earlier this week hosted a re-enactment of Ms James’ last known moves, featuring Toby the dog and an actress wearing identical clothing.