A man has appeared in court having been charged in connection with the murder of 83-year-old dog walker Peter Wrighton.
The body of Mr Wrighton, a married father and grandfather from Banham, was discovered in woodland near East Harling on Saturday, August 5.
A post-mortem examination revealed he died from multiple stab wounds to the neck and head.
Alexander Palmer, 23, of Dereham Road, Bawdeswell, appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court today having been charged with murder.
Palmer, who appeared via videolink from Wymondham Police Investigation Centre (PIC), spoke only to confirm his details during the hearing which lasted just over two minutes.
Police had given his address as Dereham Road, Bawdeswell, but in court when asked to give his address Palmer, said “the one where I was arrested, or...” before stating Freesia Way in Cringleford.
Palmer, who was wearing a blue jumper and grey trousers and had facial hair, appeared to be supported in court by family or friends.
The case was formally sent to Norwich Crown Court by district judge Nick Watson.
The defendant will appear at the crown court tomorrow (Tuesday, August 15).
He was remanded in custody.
A number of members of the public, who appeared to be supporting Palmer, sat in the public gallery.
Police said The Street in East Harling remains closed whilst the investigation continues and officers are still working in the area, providing reassurance, speaking with witnesses and conducting house to house and CCTV enquiries.
Detectives are also searching and forensically examining a number of locations which are linked to the ongoing investigation.
Mr Wrighton, a former BT worker, has been described as a as “a lovely, gentle husband, dad and grandfather” who loved walking his dogs, Gemma and Dylan.
A statement released by police on behalf of Mr Wrighton’s family following his death, paid tribute to his “kind nature” and his “love of walking his dogs and chatting with people to pass the time of day”.
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