Man jailed for life for killing PCSO Julia James as she walked her dog

Callum Wheeler killed the Kent Police PCSO with a metal jack handle after he “ambushed her” in the woods near her home in Aylesham.

The 22 year-old, described as an “extremely dangerous individual”, had been found guilty following a six-day trial at Canterbury Crown Court on May 16. It took the jury just over an hour to deliver their verdict.

He was sentenced at the same court on Friday (July 8) and will now serve a minimum of 37 years behind bars before being eligible for release on parole.

Ms James, 53, was attacked as she walked her dog Toby along a route close to her home on Tuesday April 27, 2021.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Wheeler had set off from his home, armed with the railway jack handle he would later use to kill Ms James, who died as the result of blunt force trauma to her head.

It added: “Wheeler, who was familiar with the woods – having been seen there in the months prior by witnesses, including one whose picture of Wheeler provided key evidence – lay in wait and ambushed her.”

The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate launched a murder investigation after officers found she had suffered fatal head injuries from being hit with a jack handle, an implement used to lift railway tracks.

Over the course of the investigation, 1,100 officers from Kent Police and other forces undertook extensive inquiries.

A key aspect was house-to-house, where officers gathered information from around 5,000 residents in Aylesham and the surrounding area, said Kent Police.

Extensive CCTV, doorbell camera and dashcam footage, alongside identifications by witnesses, placed Wheeler near the scene before and after the attack. Crucial evidence from a smart watch worn by Ms James showed her last movements, including the route she took, the speed she travelled and her heart rate.

Wheeler’s DNA was found on Ms James’ boot, jacket and a vest top she was wearing when she was killed, while blood matching hers was discovered on Wheeler’s shoes.

Wheeler was arrested at his home in Sunshine Avenue, Aylesham, where officers found the jack handle wrapped in plastic bags and leaning against his bedroom wall.

They seized his laptop, which showed internet searches for pornography and articles relating to Ms James’ murder.

“He denied any wrongdoing however the jack handle was one of many items forensically examined and found to have both Wheeler’s and Julia’s DNA on it,” said Kent Police.

The CPS said he jury heard that when remanded in custody, Wheeler told staff this case was “different because she was a copper” and that she “deserved to die”. He also talked of the woodland area where the attack happened, saying if he was released, he would harm other people and that “you can’t go into the woods and expect to be safe”.

“Wheeler originally pleaded not guilty, but when faced with the overwhelming evidence in the prosecution’s case accepted responsibility though claimed her death was not his intention,” said the CPS.

Kent Police Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: “Julia’s death has had a profound effect on her friends, family and colleagues here at Kent Police and she is greatly missed.

“Callum Wheeler showed no remorse for his actions and put her family through an upsetting trial.

“No one should ever feel unsafe or be subjected to violence, there is never an excuse, and we know that this tragic event was deeply unsettling for Julia’s local community too.

“I would once again like to thank members of the public for their support throughout our investigation, it was clear how many people cared for and admired Julia. I hope the result is reassuring for many people as Wheeler will remain behind bars.

“Whilst we may never know why Wheeler targeted Julia that day, we will continue to be dedicated to tackling violence and will hold offenders to account for their actions using all the powers at our disposal.”

Senior investigating officer for the case, Detective Superintendent Gavin Moss, said: “Wheeler is an extremely dangerous individual and has shown he is a significant risk to women.

“As with any murder investigation, where the suspect remains at large, a significant amount of resources were required from the outset and the investigation had many challenges. It required a mix of skills and expertise.

“I’m so proud of the team for building a strong case against Wheeler, which has ultimately led us to this result today.”

Matt Capes, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS South East said it was “a truly shocking and heart-rending case”, adding: “Julia James had a right to walk her dog, and to enjoy life’s freedoms, without fear of violence.

“The result of Wheeler’s callous and cowardly actions has left Julia’s family and friends devastated, and a community shocked by her loss.

“Wheeler’s action before, during and after the attack left absolutely no room for doubt that he was the man responsible for Julia’s death.

“We were able to present clear and compelling evidence that proved his intent to kill Julia due to the thorough investigation by Kent Police which included DNA evidence, witness testimony and CCTV footage.

“Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Julia who have shown courage and dignity throughout the course of the police investigation and court proceedings.”