Chilling Crime: Cleaner Madison Murdered After Telling Partner He Was Controlling
Last Seen Leaving Home on July 22
Madison, 30, vanished after leaving her home on Delhi Road at 8.30am on Friday, 22 July last year. She went about her day, working as a cleaner locally before visiting her partner, Garry Bennett, 37, at his Caister Drive home just after 11am.
Texts Reveal Troubled Relationship
Police uncovered troubling messages Madison sent to Bennett that morning. She accused him of being controlling and claimed she wasn’t number one in their relationship. After arriving at Bennett’s, Madison vanished without a trace and was reported missing three days later, on Monday, 25 July.
Bennett Arrested As Police Hunt Turns Grim
Officers launched a missing person probe that quickly turned into a murder investigation. Bennett claimed Madison said she needed space, asked him not to contact her, and left his address between 11.15am and 11.30am. He added Madison’s car stayed outside until Sunday, 24 July, when it was finally moved and found two days later on Brackendale Avenue.
He also alleged Madison sent a text that day saying she loved him but needed a break, and that she had repaid money owed. Meanwhile, Madison’s ex-partner got a suspicious message from someone claiming to be her.
Body Found In Park, Bennett Found Guilty
Phone analysis showed Madison’s device was at Caister Drive when the fake message was sent, then went off the grid. A massive search ended tragically when Madison’s body was found in Watt Tyler Country Park on 30 July.
Bennett was charged with murder. After a trial at Basildon Crown Court, he was found guilty on Tuesday, 28 March. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, 29 March.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Kev Hughes said: “Our immediate thoughts go to Madison’s family and friends. The dignity, humility and decorum they have shown throughout this investigation and trial has been remarkable.”
“No one should lose a loved one in the manner they lost Madison. It has been truly humbling to be part of the team bringing her the justice she deserved.”
