Man accused of murdering elderly dog walker Peter Wrighton to be assessed by psychiatrist
A MAN accused of murdering an elderly dog walker will be assessed by a psychiatrist before entering a plea, a court heard.
The body of Peter Wrighton was found in woodland near the village of East Harling
Alexander Palmer, 24, is charged with the murder of 83-year-old grandfather Peter Wrighton, of Banham, Norfolk.
The body of retired BT worker Mr Wrighton, who had been walking his two dogs, was found in woodland near the village of East Harling on August 5.
He had been repeatedly stabbed in the neck and head.
Mr Wrighton had been walking his two dogs
It appears to me that I've got to, as there are serious issues that need to be sorted out by experts, so I'm going to grant the application
Palmer, of Cringleford did not enter a plea during a 12-minute hearing at Norwich Crown Court today.
Judge Stephen Holt said he was reluctant to adjourn the hearing, but agreed to an application by defence barrister Paul Raudnitz to do so until November 17.
Palmer did not enter a plea during his hearing at Norwich Crown Court
Judge Holt said: "It appears to me that I've got to, as there are serious issues that need to be sorted out by experts, so I'm going to grant the application."
The bearded defendant, who has short brown hair and was dressed in a red T-shirt, appeared by videolink from Belmarsh prison in south-east London.
The defendant appeared by videolink from Belmarsh prison
He spoke only to confirm his details.
A provisional trial date has been set for February 12 2018.