Man who killed Fenland woman in 'no body' murder jailed
Karl Hutchings later admitted to killing Julie Buckley last year
Last updated 9th Jul 2026
A man who killed a woman whose remains were found in a Fenland field has been jailed for nearly 20 years.
Karl Hutchings had denied killing Julie Buckley last year before later pleading guilty to her murder.
Concerns for Julie were first raised after she was last seen on CCTV footage at a Budgens shop in Broad Street, March on January 28 last year.
Police believe Hutchings killed the 55-year-old two days later, before going on to use her bank cards and sell her possessions.
Concerns were raised for Julie's whereabouts in early February and when officers attended her home in Christchurch on February 13, they found blood around the property.
The blood was forensically linked to Julie; police then launched a 'no-body' murder investigation as searches for her continued.
In September, Hutchings admitted to murdering Julie.
Days later, police found human remains in a field off Blue Lane in Wimblington after lawyers representing Hutchings shared details of a potential burial site.
A post-mortem later confirmed those remains belonged to Julie.
Today Judge Mark Bishop told Hutchings: “Having taken her (Julie’s) life, you deprived her of any dignity in death.”
He added: “I accept you did not plan to kill Miss Buckley and I accept you had your own mental health vulnerabilities.”
Speaking about the investigation, Judge Bishop said the preparation and investigation into the case was ‘extensive’ and commended ‘officers for the work that’s been done.’
Detective Chief Inspector Rich Stott, who led the investigation, said: “Today’s result is the culmination of months of hard work from the investigating team and the many experts who have assisted in the case.
“A murder investigation without a body is extremely challenging, but the team worked tirelessly to gather significant and compelling evidence, putting pressure on Hutchings to finally reveal the truth.
“The cold-blooded brutality of Julie’s death and subsequent disposal of her body is something that will stay with me and all my team for a very long time. These kinds of investigations never get any easier, but we remain steadfast in our determination to bring those responsible to justice.
“Julie was a well-known member of her community - she was a mother, a friend and a neighbour and will be greatly missed. Nobody should meet their end in this way.
“Hutchings’ deceit and the efforts he made to conceal his crimes were truly abhorrent, but I’m glad he finally saw sense and confessed, saving Julie’s family the trauma of a trial.
“Our thoughts are with Julie’s loved ones and friends at this difficult time. While today’s result cannot bring her back, we hope it provides some reassurance and closure for them, and they feel justice has been done.”