The husband of murdered PCSO Julia James has been hit with a double tragedy after scammers stole all the life savings that she had left him.
Con artists targeted grieving Paul James and eventually emptied his account after the scam began with a message about a parcel.
The Mirror reports how the thieves took every penny after an elaborate ruse and distraught Paul added: "All I had was money from my beloved Julia... please be vigilant on your phones."
READ MORE: Hero Edinburgh firefighters battle fierce Arthur's Seat blaze as smoke fills sky
On Friday, Callum Wheeler, 22, was jailed for life – a minimum of 37 years – for killing Julia, 53.
He bludgeoned her to death with a railway jack as she walked her dog Toby near her home in Aylesham, Kent, last year.
Paul said outside Canterbury crown court after sentencing: “We went everywhere together. How do I do these things alone?”
Julia has actually spotted Wheeler the day before she was attacked and told her husband of the "weird" dude she had seen. GPS and heart rate data from her Apple watch were among the evidence that secured his conviction.
His DNA was also found on the Kent Police officer’s boot, jacket and top.
Her blood was on the railway jack he used, and on his trainers.
Julia’s daughter Bethan Coles told the court no jail term was long enough for “sick, twisted” Wheeler, of Aylesham.
The murder was a “life sentence” for Julia’s whole family, she said.
Jailing Wheeler, Judge Mark Wall told him the brutal “sexually motivated” assault had clearly been planned in advance.
READ NEXT:
- Edinburgh campaigner call for financial support for pregnancy drug disabilities
- JK Rowling says Edinburgh locations didn't inspire places in Harry Potter books
- Edinburgh family nearly miss out on £40,000 holiday due to passport office chaos
- Scottish people worried about ‘dangerously long’ waits for A&E and ambulances
- Mum hits back at 'intrusive' neighbours' 'lack of boundaries' that 'drives her mad'
