Essex man jailed for murder of his girlfriend
Gary Bennett was found guilty yesterday (Tuesday 28 March)
Last updated 29th Mar 2023
A man from Essex has been sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison for murdering and hiding the body of his girlfriend in July last year.
30-year-old Madison was last seen alive on 22 July, according to Essex Police. Her car was found in Basildon four days later, before her body was discovered in Wat Tyler Country Park on July 30.
After pleading not guilty, Bennett’s trial began at Basildon Crown Court on Monday 13 March. During the trial, the jury heard how prior to his arrest, Bennett had be searching for news relating to Wat Tyler Country Park and 'incidents in Basildon today'.
They also heard how, on the final day she was seen alive, Madison had sent texts to Bennett telling him she was not happy in their relationship and he that was controlling.
It took a jury less than four hours to decide that Garry Bennett was guilty of murder.
Judge Samantha Leigh said "I would like that thank the whole Essex MIT team and the lengths they went to collate CCTV and ANPR and their efforts to put everything together and make a fantastically solid case against the defendant.
"I am certainly very grateful. It really is good old fashioned police work."
Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby, Head of Major Crime said “Garry Bennett is a schemer, a liar and a murderer. It didn’t take the jury long yesterday to conclude that. But today, it is not about Garry Bennett.
“Today is about Madison Wright. It’s about remembering what Bennett took from Madison’s family. A much-loved mother, daughter and sister.
“Madison’s family have had to sit through a long and painful trial, listening to details, of how their beloved daughter’s body had been left under a pile of debris in Wat Tyler Park.
“All because Bennett was too cowardly to ever admit what he had done.
“We cannot imagine the pain they are going through but I would like to personally commend them for their strength, throughout this investigation.
“This investigation and trial have revealed to us that Madison was a victim of domestic abuse and controlling behaviour from Bennett.
“I am urging anyone who has been personally affected by domestic abuse to get in touch with Essex Police, or one of our support services including “Next Chapter” in order to get the support you deserve.
“Madison’s family would like to thank everyone involved in the investigation including Essex Police and the numerous witnesses who came forward in getting justice for Madison.”
Chief Inspector Dan Mchugh, District Commander for Basildon said “Madison’s disappearance and tragic death has had a devastating impact on the local community in Basildon.
“Madison’s family and the police have received an enormous amount of support from the public and I’d like to personally thank those people for the compassion they showed.
“I appreciate that whilst this trial has concluded, the details that have been revealed around the domestic abuse that Madison was victim of, may be distressing to some.
“Any form of violence against women and girls will not be accepted and I’m urging anyone who has been affected or need to get help to get in contact with us”
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