First picture of man charged with murder of elderly dog walker after 83-year-old grandad's body found in woods
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A 23-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a grandfather who was attacked as he walked his dogs.
The body of Peter Wrighton, 83, from Banham, Norfolk, was found in woodland near the village of East Harling on August 5.
He had been repeatedly stabbed in the neck and head.
Alexander Palmer was charged in the early hours of Monday and appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court by video-link from the Norfolk Police Investigation Centre in Wymondham.
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He wore a blue jumper and dark trousers, and appeared unshaven with close-cropped dark hair as he sat in a plastic chair.
He spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth and to state his address as Freesia Way, Cringleford.
Norfolk Police had given his address as Dereham Road, Bawdeswell.
No pleas were taken and he was remanded in custody to appear at Norwich Crown Court on Tuesday.
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(Image: Norfolk Constabulary)
Mr Wrighton was described in a tribute statement from his family and his wife of 59 years as "a lovely, gentle husband, dad and grandfather".
The retired BT worker had a "kind nature" and had a "love of walking his dogs and chatting with people to pass the time of day", his family said.
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A family spokesman said: "Peter was immensely kind and never had a bad word to say about anybody and people always seemed to take a liking to him.
"We are extremely thankful for all the people who have come forward to speak with the police and hope we will soon be able to understand why this has happened.
"When we think of Peter we remember him with with fond and happy memories that will stay with us always.”