Why was he free? Family’s outrage over ex-Commando who savaged dog walker, 83
A FORMER elite forces soldier who murdered a frail pensioner because he had a grudge against dog walkers was told he faces life behind bars yesterday.
Alexander Palmer was found guilty of stabbing 83-year-old Peter Wrighton to death
Alexander Palmer, 24, showed no emotion as he was found guilty of stabbing to death 83-year-old Peter Wrighton who was ambushed during his morning stroll with his two pet dogs.
It took jurors just 49 minutes to convict him after an eight day trial at Nottingham Crown Court.
The court heard how Palmer had launched such a ferocious attack on the retired BT engineer that police at first believed it had been carried out by a wild animal.
Grandfather Mr Wrighton’s throat was ripped open and his head “almost severed from his body” as he was stabbed 31 times, including in the eye.
The married father-of-two’s body was discovered hours later in brambles by a couple walking in woodland known as The Heath near his home village of East Harling, Norfolk.
I would like to know how he happened to be free to do this. He should not have been out in public
Palmer had carefully planned carrying out the “predatory ‘Palmer’s a dangerous individual who was truly animalistic’ 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.
Alexander Palmer was told he faced life behind bars for killing Peter Wrighton
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.”
It took jurors just 49 minutes to convict Palmer after an eight day trial
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.
The attack happened in woodland known as The Heath in East Harling, Norfolk
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.
Former soldier Andrew Palmer
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.”