Soldier in court accused of murdering dog walker

A former soldier with a “grudge towards dog walkers” stabbed to death a complete stranger, a court has heard.

Alexander Palmer denies murdering Peter Wrighton, 83, on Aug 5 last year. The pensioner had been walking his dogs in woods at East Harling, Norfolk.

Mr Palmer, 24, of Baw des well, Norfolk, admitted being in the area at the time but denied killing Mr Wrighton.

At Nottingham Crown Court, the prosecution said Mr Palmer told medical professionals he had a voice in his head that told him to harm people and that dog walkers appeared to be a particular “bugbear”. Mr Wrighton was found with multiple stab wounds. The trial continues.