GUILTY UK - Julia James, 53, murdered, Snowdown, Kent, 27 April 2021 *ARREST* #2

[SpursGyal]

Not sure if this has been posted or not

Callum Wheeler, 21, was arrested at 9.30pm on Friday around eight miles from where the mum-of-two's body was found.

He today appeared at Maidstone Crown Court for a short hearing.

The suspect was remanded in custody ahead of a hearing on June 8 at the same court.

A provisional trial date was set for November 29.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/14940361/callum-wheeler-court-murder-pcso-julia-james/

So we can take from this he wasn’t arrested from Sunshine Corner.

 

[Tortoise]

"He appeared via video link from Belmarsh prison for a short hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday wearing a grey t-shirt and grey trousers with a black face-mask.


Judge Philip Statman set a trial date for November 29 with a plea and trial preparation hearing (PTPH) on June 8.

No plea was entered to the murder charge and no application for bail was made by Wheeler’s counsel Lesley Manley."


Trial date set for man accused of murder of PCSO Julia James

 

[Tortoise]

"Judge Statman remanded the defendant in custody and said: "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."

He told Wheeler: "Your next court appearance is going to be the 8th June, until that time you will remain in custody."

Kent Police are still appealing for witnesses in the case and earlier this week created a reconstruction of Ms James' last known movements featuring Toby the dog and an actress wearing identical clothing to the PCSO."

Callum Wheeler appears in court via videolink as Julia James murder trial set

 

[HiddenBehindDark17]

"No plea was entered to the murder charge and no application for bail was made by Wheeler’s counsel Lesley Manley."


Trial date set for man accused of murder of PCSO Julia James

Very interesting - I've just researched this defence barrister and it seems she specialises, or at least has vast experience, of cases involving sexual assault. Does this open up another can of worms?

Lesley Manley is very experienced in defending in cases alleging sexual offending including cases where other offences such as violence, cruelty or robbery are connected. She has acted as leading and junior counsel. - LINK Church Court Chambers | Lesley Manley


All MOO.

 

[Cuko]

They can't though as frustrating as it is! The law of sub judice means that if someone is to go to trial, from the moment they're charged nothing to do with the crime or the perpetrator can be published that might impact on a jury's decision.

Thanks @ApparentlyInDenial. Frustrating, it certainly is! I understand the sub judice rule but it doesn’t always stop MSM giving it a go. There’s usually the odd background snippet that wings its way into the public domain, but apparently not this time.

 

[Cuko]

Very interesting - I've just researched this defence barrister and it seems she specialises, or at least has vast experience, of cases involving sexual assault. Does this open up another can of worms?

Lesley Manley is very experienced in defending in cases alleging sexual offending including cases where other offences such as violence, cruelty or robbery are connected. She has acted as leading and junior counsel. - LINK Church Court Chambers | Lesley Manley


All MOO.

Interesting - thanks for posting. And potentiality a significant additional can of worms.

 

[Distant Observer]

From the Sun again. It is interesting that Ms James' death was "extremely violent" and "completely random". That explains why we haven't ourselves come up with a clear explanation or motive.
Julia James death 'extremely violent' & 'completely random' court told as PCSO murder suspect Callum Wheeler faces trial (thesun.co.uk)

 

[Skigh]

From the same sun report:


court was told the attack was "extremely violent" and "at this time it seems completely random" - with police still unclear on a motive.


Prosecutor Martin Yale said there were a number of "outstanding forensic enquiries" - including ones on an iron bar.


This could indicate they might have found the murder weapon.

 

[Mrs Marple]

From the same sun report:


court was told the attack was "extremely violent" and "at this time it seems completely random" - with police still unclear on a motive.


Prosecutor Martin Yale said there were a number of "outstanding forensic enquiries" - including ones on an iron bar.


This could indicate they might have found the murder weapon.

Possible. I think maybe it didn't have any visual indication hence the continued searches. But no confirmed weapon as yet still.

If it was cleaned in the house there will be a trace somewhere. I can't imagine something could have been cleaned that well without water or detergent.

Although l can't imagine many people have an iron bar laying about the house, it may have been found in woodland. Lots of bits like that laying about in the country.

Of course l wish this had never happened, but as it has..l hope it was quick for her.

 

[Skigh]

Possible. I think maybe it didn't have any visual indication hence the continued searches. But no confirmed weapon as yet still.

If it was cleaned in the house there will be a trace somewhere. I can't imagine something could have been cleaned that well without water or detergent.

Although l can't imagine many people have an iron bar laying about the house, it may have been found in woodland. Lots of bits like that laying about in the country.

Of course l wish this had never happened, but as it has..l hope it was quick for her.

Since they are waiting for forensic results on it ,I imagine it has only recently been discovered. Maybe their searches of the railway track yesterday?

 

[Pinkizzy]

So much about this case is puzzling. I find the media reaction to it (or lack thereof) equally puzzling. Now that a suspect has been charged and his identity made public, MSM would normally be digging frantically to come up with further background info on the alleged murderer, but there is next to nothing out there. Anyone else think it’s strange?

Didn't ACC Tom Richards say he wanted the jury to see the evidence against him first hand, instead of through the media? The trial could collapse if a sharp lawyer argues that the jury members were prejudiced against CW after reading tweets and newspaper headlines.

 

[Cuko]

Didn't ACC Tom Richards say he wanted the jury to see the evidence against him first hand, instead of through the media? The trial could collapse if a sharp lawyer argues that the jury members were prejudiced against CW after reading tweets and newspaper headlines.

I wasn’t referencing evidential matters. More about family background, school friends, job, interests, etc.

 

[Mrs Marple]

I wasn’t referencing evidential matters. More about family background, school friends, job, interests, etc.

There have only been a few snippets. No one on social media saying they knew him.

I mean, there's keeping yourself to yourself, but this seems hermit level on the surface.

 

[sleuthheywood7]

Didn't ACC Tom Richards say he wanted the jury to see the evidence against him first hand, instead of through the media? The trial could collapse if a sharp lawyer argues that the jury members were prejudiced against CW after reading tweets and newspaper headlines.

I noted that as well. Am l right in thinking the judge can request this if they assess it to be appropriate?

If he had learning difficulties would he have had an appropriate adult with him during the court appearances?

This piece of info is in most of the MSM reports about the court appearance this morning:

"Lesley Manley, defending, said that lawyers were looking at the possibility of a psychiatric report prior to the beginning of the four-week trial."

 

[ApparentlyInDenial]

I noted that as well. Am l right in thinking the judge can request this if they assess it to be appropriate?

If he had learning difficulties would he have had an appropriate adult with him during the court appearances?

Yes that's right, but that would usually be at the very start of the trial, which isn't until 29 November.

 

[Skigh]

Julia James murder suspect, 21, is remanded in custody | Daily Mail Online


Lesley Manley, defending Wheeler, confirmed there would be a need for a psychiatric assessment.

 

[FOXINBOX]

Just a point with all the details sub judice, now there's been an arrest - might the information influence potential jurors? From wikipedia
a substantial risk of serious prejudice can ... be created by a media report when proceedings are active. Proceedings become active when there is an arrest, oral charge, issue of a warrant, or a summons

 

[Pinkizzy]

Just a point with all the details sub judice, now there's been an arrest - might the information influence potential jurors? From wikipedia
a substantial risk of serious prejudice can ... be created by a media report when proceedings are active. Proceedings become active when there is an arrest, oral charge, issue of a warrant, or a summons

We know CW had a strict father who restricted his children's playtime - controlling parent. The jury should have heard this first hand.

 

[Skigh]

We know CW had a strict father who restricted his children's playtime - controlling parent. The jury should have heard this first hand.

We have heard nothing of the sort. We heard a second hand report from a neighbour saying the children were not allowed to play outside in the cul de sac where they previously lived. There could be all sorts of reasons for this including respect for the other neighbours.


The trial is not until November so no jury has heard anything.

 

[Distant Observer]

The iron bar is now part of the headline in the Sun.
Julia James cops find iron bar as court hears mum 'murder' was 'extremely violent & random' & Callum Wheeler faces trial (thesun.co.uk)