The man accused of killing PCSO Julia James as she walked her dog is due to stand trial for murder in November, a court heard on Thursday.
Callum Wheeler, 21, appeared via videolink from HMP Belmarsh as a judge at Maidstone crown court remanded him in custody.
Ms James, 53, was killed on April 27 as she took her pet Jack Russell dog, Toby, for a walk through fields close to her home in the village of Snowdown.
The popular PCSO was found to have suffered serious head injuries when her body was discovered in Akholt Wood.
“Mr Wheeler is charged with the murder of Julia James on April 27 this year”, said prosecutor Martin Yale.
Judge Philip Statman set a trial date of November 29 this year and ordered Wheeler to return to court to enter a plea on June 8.
At his first magistrates court appearance on Tuesday, Wheeler was seen sticking his tongue out to photographers while being led away by a security guard.
Flanked by Belmarsh guards on the videolink this morning, Wheeler wrapped his left arm in his prison-issue grey t-shirt and kept his head bowed for most of the hearing.
Asked to confirm his name Wheeler, who was wearing a black face mask, replied “yeah” and gave the same response when the judge asked if he had understood proceedings.
“You next court appearance is going to be on June 8”, said Judge Statman.
“There being no application for bail, in the circumstances having looked at all the matters, it is right and proper the defendant should remain in custody.”
A Detective Chief Inspector who is leading the investigation was one of three police officers in court for today’s 15-minute hearing.
Earlier this week, Kent Police carried out a reconstruction of Ms James’ last known movements, with an actress walking the route through the fields.
Wheeler, from Aylesham, has not yet entered a plea to the charge of murder.
