Julia James: Police reconstruct murdered PCSO's last movements

A reconstruction of the route walked by police community support officer Julia James before she was killed two weeks ago has taken place.

Ms James, 53, was found dead next to Akholt Wood, Snowdown, near Dover, after taking her dog for a walk.

An actress, accompanied by Ms James's loyal Jack Russell dog, Toby, retraced her route in a bid to encourage witnesses to come forward.

Earlier Callum Wheeler, 21, appeared in court charged with her murder.

Mr Wheeler, from Aylesham, appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court in person.

He has been remanded in custody and is next due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday.

Mr Wheeler spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

Ms James had worked for Kent Police since 2008, and her family said she was "fiercely loyal" and "loved with her whole heart".

She had been walking her dog near her home at the time of the attack, police said.

Her body was found with serious head injuries. Toby was found unharmed at her side.

Kent Police held a reconstruction of her last known movements when she left home at about 14:00 BST on 27 April.

An actress wearing identical clothes to Ms James - a light blue waterproof coat, blue jeans and dark boots - set off from the hamlet of Snowdown with Toby on a lead.

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Richards said: "Today we continue to appeal for witnesses. I am confident that there were people in the area at the time that we want to speak to."

The public have given police about 1,000 pieces of information, a Kent Police spokesman said.

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