Julia James suspect, 21, denies murdering PCSO found battered to death in field near her home
A MAN today pleaded not guilty to bludgeoning a PCSO to death in a random attack as she walked her dog.
Julia James, 53, was discovered with serious head injuries near woodland in Snowdown, Kent, on April 27.
Callum Wheeler, 21, was arrested two weeks later around eight miles from where the mum-of-two's body was found.
He today denied murdering the PCSO when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.
The attack on Julia was allegedly "extremely violent" and "at this time it seems completely random" - with police still unclear on a motive.
Police are examining an iron bar and are not "actively" seeking any further suspects over Julia's death.
Wheeler's murder charge came after cops released a picture of a man "crucially important" to the investigation who was seen in the area the day after her body was found.
But Kent Police later confirmed they were no longer seeking information about him.
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Forensic officers were seen searching a home in Aylesham over the weekend after the arrest was made.
Julia had left her home with Jack Russell Toby on her usual dog-walking route an hour before the killing on April 27.
The timetable led to fears the mum-of-two could have been followed before she was killed.
Her beloved dog stayed with her body after the attack, which police believe was random.
He was used to recreate the mum's final walk in the woods on Tuesday.
Assistant Chief Constable Richards said previously the force can't rule out if her killer was someone she came across in her work, a potential dog-napper or if there was a sexual motive.
Julia, who worked for the domestic violence unit, was not on duty at the time of her death or wearing uniform.
Her heartbroken family paid tribute to the "fiercely loyal" mum and gran.
'FIERCELY LOYAL'
They said in a statement: "There are no words to adequately describe the void left in our lives by the death of our mum.
"She was so much to so many people; a wife, mother, daughter, nanny, sister and a friend.
"Mum was fiercely loyal, she loved with her whole heart and nothing was too much trouble for the people she cared about.
"She had a beautiful smile and was always quick to laugh, she was so naturally funny with a brilliant sense of humour.
"It’s difficult to describe a person in a few sentences, to describe who they truly were is impossible, but the people who knew her will know how kind she was and how she would bring so much fun and life to a room.
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"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.
"We would like to thank everybody who has messaged and left flowers, the outpouring of love and support from friends, the local community and our policing family has been enormous."
