Shock Murder Shakes Pitsea
Madison, 30, vanished after leaving her home on Delhi Road at 8:30am on Friday, 22 July last year. She went about her day cleaning locally before heading to her partner Garry Bennett’s house in Caister Drive just after 11am.
Police revealed Madison had sent text messages to Bennett that morning, saying she wasn’t happy and accused him of being controlling. She disappeared without a trace and was reported missing three days later on Monday, 25 July.
Alarming Clues and Contradictions
When police launched a missing person investigation, suspicion quickly turned dark. Bennett told officers Madison needed space, stayed only ten minutes at his home, and left between 11:15am and 11:30am. He claimed her car stayed outside until Sunday 24 July, before it was moved. It was found days later in Brackendale Avenue.
Bennett also said Madison sent him messages on 22 July declaring love but asking for a break and even sent money she owed him. Strangely, Madison’s ex-partner received texts that day from someone claiming to be Madison.
However, phone analysis showed that Madison’s phone was still at Bennett’s address when the messages were sent, then went off the grid.
Horrific Discovery and Damning Evidence
After an extensive search, Madison’s body was found at Watt Tyler Country Park on 30 July. Investigators discovered Bennett had driven Madison’s car to Wickford Avenue around 3am on 24 July, then to Brackendale Avenue an hour later.
CCTV captured a man matching Bennett’s description near Brackendale Avenue at 4:50am — contradicting his claim he didn’t know the car had moved. Bennett’s DNA was found on a fence post placed on top of Madison’s body.
A forensic phone analysis revealed Bennett searched for information about Watt Tyler Country Park and the murder inquiry. Experts also noticed the suspicious style of the texts sent to Bennett and Madison’s ex, which differed from Madison’s usual messages, suggesting Bennett faked them.
Even more damning — Bennett apparently created a profile on a dating site in the hours after Madison’s murder.
Justice Served at Basildon Crown Court
Garry Bennett, 37, of Caister Drive, Pitsea, was charged and tried for Madison’s murder. He was found guilty on Tuesday, 28 March. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, 29 March.
“No one should lose a loved one in the manner in which they lost Madison,” said Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Kev Hughes. “The dignity and strength shown by Madison’s family and friends throughout has been remarkable. It has been humbling to bring justice for her.”
