Man pleads not guilty to Cambridgeshire 'no-body' murder

A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a missing woman from Cambridgeshire.

Julie Buckley from Christchurch was last seen on CCTV at a Budgens store in March in January.

Karl Hutchings of The Hill, Christchurch appeared at Cambridge Crown Court today (Wednesday) by video link having been charged with her murder.

Hutchings spoke to confirm his name and to enter his plea of not guilty.

The bearded defendant appeared from Peterborough prison where he listened to proceedings while sat at a desk and wearing a dark long-sleeved top.

He requested to go to the toilet, just as the charge was about to be put to him, and gave his plea before leaving the video-link room to use the facilities after he was granted permission.

In the charge that was put to him, it was said that he murdered Ms Buckley between January 20 and January 31 of this year.

Judge Mark Bishop remanded Hutchings in custody until September 29 when he is due to stand trial at the same court.

A time estimate of four weeks was given for the trial.

Last month, police launched a "no-body" murder investigation after they became concerned that Julie had come into serious harm.

Forensic teams have searched a property in The Hill, while dive teams and police dogs have been searching the Sixteen Foot Bank river between Boots Bridge and Bedlam Bridge.

Last week, police confirmed that tests were being carried out on a possible human hair found in this river by a fisherman.

Detective Inspector Rich Stott, investigating, said police are waiting to see if the hair does belong to Julie.

“We’re issuing a widespread appeal to ask for anyone with information to please come forward, as well as anyone with dashcam footage from the March and Christchurch areas, particularly around Bedlam Bridge and Boots Bridge, on January 29 and 30,” Mr Stott said.

“We’re also appealing to dog walkers, fishermen, farmers and land owners in the area. If you notice disturbed land or anything unusual or out of place, please report it to us.”

Anyone with information is urged to get in touch with police on 101 and quoting Op Dragonfish.

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