The father of Julia James' killer has said that his son was 'let down' by social services in the lead up to her murder.

John Wheeler said that despite his efforts, the only treatment his son Callum received was in Broadmoor in the wake of his brutal killing of the beloved PCSO.

Mr Wheeler said that there had been issues over "the last seven years" in relation to the 22-year-old murderer's mental health.

Speaking to MailOnline, he said: "I referred him for help not too long before he did what he did but I don't want to say too much more because it's an ongoing situation.

"The problem is that he's never had any proper treatment until he got to Broadmoor even though he had been referred to mental health teams in the past.

"I think it's important now that all the psychiatric reports go forward to the judge so she can make her decision."

Asked if he had anything to say to Mrs James' family, Mr Wheeler, said: "What can I say other than I'm so sorry it happened."

The 22-year-old Wheeler, described as "a complete and utter loner," bludgeoned mum-of-two Julia to death while she walked her dog on a rural footpath near her home in the hamlet of Snowdown, between Canterbury and Dover, last April.

He had denied murder, but on Monday afternoon a jury found him guilty following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court that lasted just six days, after Wheeler's defence team announced they would be offering no evidence.

Wheeler refused to stand as the jury foreman delivered the verdict, but was picked up to his feet by officials.

Sentencing was adjourned pending psychiatric reports, with the judge saying the hearing should be heard in Canterbury.