A former soldier from Cringleford will stand trial next year after he denied the murder of an 83-year old dog walker.
The body of dog walker Peter Wrighton, a married father and grandfather from Banham, was discovered in woodland near East Harling on Saturday, August 5.
A post-mortem examination revealed he died from multiple stab wounds to the neck and head.
Alexander Palmer, 23, of Freesia Way, Cringleford, who served with the British Army between 2010 and 2015, has been charged with murder.
Palmer appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Tuesday (December 19) via videolink when he formally entered a not guilty plea.
A trial date has been fixed for February 12.
The trial, which will last for two to three weeks, will take place at Norwich Crown Court.
Mr Wrighton, a former BT worker, was described as a 'lovely, gentle husband, dad and grandfather' who loved walking his dogs. Gemma and Dylan.
A statement released by police on behalf of Mr Wrighton's family following his death, paid tribute to his kind nature.
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