Why was he free? Family’s outrage over ex-Commando who savaged dog walker, 83
killing of a stranger”. He was caught after detectives investigating the murder were contacted by a psychologist who had treated Palmer at a nearby RAF airbase.
He had told his medical team in chilling detail of his desire to kill strangers – with dog walkers “a particular bugbear”.
Last night Mr Wrighton’s family hit out at the mental health professionals who treated Palmer.
His son Andrew, 54, said: “I would like to know how he happened to be free to do this.
“He should not have been out in public.”
Palmer is said to have developed mental health problems after suffering a head injury in an assault during a night out in Plymouth in 2014 while he was serving with 29 Commando regiment – a specially trained unit of the Army’s Royal Artillery.
On one occasion, he told a psychologist: “When I eventually hurt someone, I know that I will plan out the method in my head, go to the desired place where I wish the scene to be set and then I will carry out the act of hurting someone. ”
One expert who examined him said: “He said he is thinking of ‘going for’ dog walkers. He said he hates dog walkers. He said this was because they were constantly muttering things about him under their breath, eg ‘weak and ugly’.”
Palmer also spelled out what was to come in a series of handwritten notes that were found in a storage facility he had hired five weeks before the murder.
One entry in a notebook read: “I’m nearly ready.
“All this pain and hatred has been building up inside for so long! I can’t stop it now it’s getting hard.”
Palmer, of Cringleford, Norfolk, will be sentenced today after Judge Mr Justice Goose adjourned the case to allow Mr Wrighton’s widow to attend.
Last night Mr Wrighton’s daughter Carol Todd, 58, said: “The revelations of the evidence relating to the mental health of Alexander Palmer have shocked, astounded and angered us.
“He was able to take himself off medication and get himself discharged from care. We believe this crime could have been prevented.”
Son Andrew added: “I hope Palmer never comes out.”
Detectives yesterday released chilling images showing the knife they believe was used to kill Mr Wrighton.
Detective Superintendent Marina Ericson, who led the investigation, said: “It was a premeditated and predatory killing. Palmer took the opportunity of Peter walking alone with no one else around to launch an attack on an elderly, frail man, knowing he would be unable to defend himself.
“Officers first on the scene described the incident as an animal attack and I think that description is still accurate.
“Palmer is a dangerous individual who was truly animalistic in his actions.”