Karl Hutchings, 48, admits ‘no body’ murder of Christchurch woman Julie Buckley

A man has pleaded guilty to killing his neighbour, whose body has yet to be found.

At Cambridge Crown Court yesterday, Karl Hutchings, 48, admitted the murder of Julie Buckley. Sentencing will take place on October 24.

Concerns were raised for the whereabouts of the 55-year-old in early February, and investigations revealed she had not been seen since January 28.

Officers attended her home in The Hill, Christchurch, on February 13 and found blood around the property, which was later forensically linked to Julie.

Hutchings, who lived in a different property on The Hill, Christchurch, was arrested later that day.

It is believed he killed her on January 30 and proceeded to use her bank cards and sell possessions.

Despite extensive searches and numerous public appeals, Julie’s body has yet to be found.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Stott said: “It quickly became apparent that something serious had happened to Julie, given the abrupt and complete halt in her communications from January 28.

“I am pleased Hutchings has finally decided to take responsibility for what he has done, and while it won’t help the pain Julie’s family are feeling, it will make the process easier for them.

“I hope he will now tell us where he has left her body, so she can be laid to rest with dignity.”

The 49-year-old man and 42-year-old woman, both from Christchurch, who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, remain under investigation.